Staff

Amanda Peters earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in integrative studies focusing on non-profit management, public administration, social justice and composition & rhetoric from Northern Kentucky University.   

Working over a decade in crisis stabilization, resource navigation, community building and workforce development programs, Amanda has held positions in corporate, not-for-profit, higher education and government arenas.  Passionate about supporting communities and families and committed to improving the quality of life for all Northern Kentuckians, Amanda currently serves at the director of the Northern Kentucky office of Drug Control Policy. She has also recently joined the Safety-Net Alliance executive committee and serves as a board member for the Northern Kentucky Agency for Substance Abuse Policy. 

Amy received her bachelor’s degree in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville in 2009.  She began her career working for the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the Governor’s Office at the Department for Local Government in the Office of Federal Grants division.  Amy has worked in local government for over a decade and held a previous position as a Public Administration Specialist for the Northern Kentucky Area Development District before accepting the role of Assistant Director for the Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy in December of 2018.  

Tammy received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western Kentucky University and is currently pursuing her PhD in Forensic Psychology at Walden University and is a KY CCS Certified Clinical Supervisor and KY Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and National Board Certified, Diplomate-Fellow in Substance Use Disorders in Counseling. Tammy is also very active in the National Association Addiction Counselors Professionals (NAADAC), Kentucky Association of Addiction Professionals and Kentucky Counseling Association.

Working over a decade in counseling, crisis stabilization, community outreach and public health. Tammy is passionate about her work in mental health and addiction. Tammy currently serves as the Clinical Care Coordinator Supervisor of the Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy. Tammy is also a public speaker on Heroin Epidemic and Substance Use issues throughout the state of Kentucky. Tammy recently served as Drug Overdose Program Coordinator for the University of Kentucky (KIPRC) as well as Counselor at Florence Medical Group

Joscena Finley is a Care Coordinator for the Northern Kentucky Addiction Helpline. She began working with the Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy in February of 2020.  Joscena has an Associates of Arts in Criminal Justice and studied Human Services at the University of Phoenix. In her previous positions, Joscena has worked in business management and as a Behavior Specialist at Hopebridge and DCCH Center for Children and Families working with abused and neglected children.  Joscena enjoys helping people who are in crisis and having a part in orchestrating their recovery. 

Lori Brooks is a Care Coordinator for the Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy Addiction Helpline. Prior to joining the Northern Kentucky Addiction Helpline, Lori worked as a Social Worker for Child Protective Services Department through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.  Lori also serves as an Advocate for The Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky working with the homeless population. Lori has always had a passion for helping and serving those in need in her community as well as other communities in the area.

Lauren Unkraut is a Care Coordinator for the NKY Addiction Helpline and started working with the Northern Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy in April of 2022.  Lauren graduated in December of 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Northern Kentucky University. Lauren holds a Temporary Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (TCADC) and is actively working toward becoming a Certificated Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC). She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Social Work through Northern Kentucky University. Lauren previously worked as a clinical supervisor at a community based correctional facility working with male offenders with substance abuse disorder. Lauren also worked as a counselor at an outpatient treatment program and has served as a volunteer hospital advocate for the Women’s Crisis Center (now known as the ION Center) working with victim-survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. What Lauren likes most about the Helpline is the chance to play a part in an individuals’ change process and path to recovery.