Patrick & Kelley Blas
President
Patrick and Kelley lost their 19 year old son David to suicide using prescription opioids in 2017. David had a heart of gold and loved people for exactly who they were. Unfortunately, he rarely found that same love directed at him. Their passion is bringing awareness to the mental health factors surrounding addictions and supporting families in crisis.
Christy Bilbrey Gonzales
Secretary
I'm Christy Bilbrey Gonzales, an original JoCo girl from McGee's Crossroads. I work full time for Freedom Biker Church-I'm the chaos coordinator some would say. I do a little bit of everything-but the preaching. JoCo Angels called me up a few years ago and wanted my help to put on a ride (a benefit ride that has become the annual fundraiser! Always last Sat of April)-and it's been a great ride since! I just want to help people. I want to make them smile-maybe even laugh if I can! God gave me many talents to share and do for others. I've seen addiction all my life in many ways. I just want to help change just one person and make a difference! Cause for that one person-their whole world changes-and that's BIG :)
Rhonda Toppings
Leadership Support
Rhonda lost her son Jordan "Chance" Toppings in 2019 to suicide after battling opioid addiction, which started with prescription pain pills from an injury. Her passion is to educate others of the risks of prescription opioids and to make treatment more readily accessible.
Anecia Lee
Leadership Team / Grief Support
My name is Anecia Lee and I am a Licensed Mental Health Clinical Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS) in Johnston County. God has allowed me to be His hands and feet to those he brings my way. My heart, passion and calling are to walk alongside of those whom God brings to Haven of Rest Counseling, to help them walk in healing and wholeness. Second to Jesus, the love of my life is my husband of 32 years, Roger Blane Lee Sr, my two grown sons, Blane and Jonathon, their brides, Deanna and Taylor, and our treasures, Ella Grace, Adalyn Ruth and Lainey Olivia who is due in July. These amazing folks are my heartbeat and why I do what I do.
In May of 2010, I lost my baby sister to drugs, alcohol and various medical problems, and in 2019, we funeralized her oldest daughter due to drugs. My generational line from both parents, includes both drugs and alcohol.
In May of 2019, being obedient to the Voice of the Lord, I hosted a forum on drugs at my church, to educate our community. Having no clue what God was up to, that day sparked this amazing group. I am forever humbled and grateful to Father for allowing me to do what He has called me to do.
Danette & Jerry Ingram
Vice President /Public Relations Officer
Danette lost her beautiful daughter Dakota to an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2019. Danette's passion is to help educate our young people about the dangers of drug use, and help them to understand that they are worthy and deserving of a great life. Also, it’s her goal to help our community understand that drugs do not discriminate and addiction it can happen to anyone.
Clay Sturgill
Peer Support Specialist
Clay Sturgill was born and raised in Raleigh, NC. In 2006 he joined the Raleigh Police Department and graduated at the top of his academy class. After several on the job injuries and subsequent surgeries, Clay was medically retired from the police force and placed in pain management at which time he became severely addicted to prescription painkillers. In October of 2017 Clay traveled to a drug rehabilitation center in Florida. He has been clean and sober since rehab and is now pursuing a degree in psychology specializing in addiction and recovery. Clay is passionate about the Joco Angels' mission because he personally knows that recovery IS possible. His desire is to help families and addicts alike have a deeper understanding of addiction. Clay lives in Smithfield, NC with his 2 wonderful children, Ava and Isaac.