Leadership Fueled by Lived Experience and Hope
Our team members have lived experience with substance use disorders and have traveled diverse roads to recovery. We know that strengthening and expanding the peer support system will help save lives and restore hope to thousands of Arkansas residents. Our offices are located in Little Rock, but we visit and collaborate with organizations and individuals throughout the state.
Casey Copeland
Director of Peer Services, Peer Recovery Supervisor (PRS), National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS)
Casey Copeland is the Director of Recovery Services for the State of Arkansas and a Peer Support Peer Supervisor. Living in long-term recovery from Substance Use Disorder since 2017, Casey began his path as a Peer Support Specialist, known for his genuine empathy and knack for connecting with people battling substance use and mental health challenges. His first year of recovery was dedicated to volunteering with various organizations in Central Arkansas.
Once he achieved abstinence from substances, Casey met and married his wonderful wife, Megan, and in 2020, they celebrated the birth of their daughter, Adilynn. Deeply committed to his faith, Casey gives all the credit for his achievements to God and stays focused on his recovery by actively participating in a recovery program. When he’s not working, Casey loves spending quality time with family and friends, working out, and enjoying the great outdoors. He’s also a deacon at his church, which brings him great joy.
Casey has worn many hats over the years, including Director of Arkansas Peers Achieving Recovery Together (APART), Director of Rock of Hope transitional houses, co-founder and president of The Copeland Foundation (TCF), and Chairman of the Arkansas Peer Advisory Committee (APAC). Now, as the Director of Peer Services for the State of Arkansas, Casey has played a key role in creating, managing, and rolling out numerous programs statewide. His efforts have made a big splash in improving substance use and mental health services in Arkansas, championing inclusivity, and empowering people on their recovery journeys.
Cheyenne Temple
Program Coordinator, Advanced Peer Recovery Specialist (APRS), National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS)
Cheyenne Delaney began her recovery journey on November 14, 2020, at the age of 21. Since entering the recovery field in 2021, she has gained experience in both treatment and reentry programs before joining the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS). Her personal recovery journey has included experience with Medication-Assisted Recovery (MAR), and she remains actively involved in a 12-Step fellowship, providing her with a broad understanding of multiple pathways to recovery.
In her role as Program Coordinator with DHS, Cheyenne oversees statewide training initiatives, curriculum development, and workforce support for peer recovery professionals. She also serves as Secretary of the Arkansas Peer Advisory Committee (APAC). Prior to the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) assuming credentialing responsibilities for the Arkansas Peer Recovery Program (APRP), Cheyenne played an integral role in reviewing and vetting certification training applications for peer workers across Arkansas.
Driven by her own recovery experience, Cheyenne is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals. She is dedicated to strengthening peer recovery services, supporting multiple pathways to recovery, and expanding opportunities for those seeking recovery and wellness. Outside of her professional work, Cheyenne enjoys crocheting, painting, and gaming. She is a proud mother to her son, Levi, whom she is raising with her husband, Sam.
Amanda Vardaman
Data Coordinator, National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS)
Amanda Vardaman has been in long-term recovery from substance use disorder since October 4, 2014, beginning her journey at the age of 19. She has a diverse professional background, with experience in management, accounting, event planning, communications, graphic design, grant writing, program management, and administration. Amanda is a National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS), serves on several recovery-related boards, and is an active participant in a 12-step program.
In her role at the Arkansas Department of Human Services’ Office of Recovery, Amanda leverages her expertise to enhance peer services across the state. Initially onboarded with DHS in March of 2026, Amanda is responsible for management of peer recovery reporting platforms, data reporting for federal grants, general program management, and special projects as necessary.
Justin Works
Grants Analyst, Supervisor in Training (SIT), National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS)
Justin Works is an Advanced Peer Recovery Specialist in long-term recovery since 2016. His personal experience with substance use disorder and recovery led him to begin working in the peer field in 2023, where he found purpose in supporting others through shared experience and connection.
Justin is actively involved in strengthening peer services across Arkansas. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Grand Canyon University to further develop his ability to support individuals, advocate for peers, and contribute to the growth of recovery-oriented systems. He has also contributed to early efforts in developing a Veteran Peer curriculum in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, helping expand opportunities for veteran-specific peer support.
He is a member of NAADAC and holds the National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) credential. Justin is committed to promoting ethical peer practice, strengthening training standards, and ensuring peer voices are represented in system-level decisions. Justin previously served on the Arkansas Peer Advisory Committee (APAC), where he worked to support the development and direction of peer services statewide. He remains focused on bridging gaps between systems and the individuals they serve, while protecting the integrity of the peer role.
Outside of his work, Justin enjoys being outdoors, spending time with his dogs, and sharing life with his fiancé, Aaron.