Peer Advisory Council

The Peer Advisory Council at On the Front Lines Community Alliance (OTFLCA) is a committed group of experienced peer recovery professionals who provide crucial insight into the development and enhancement of recovery services. This dedicated team uses their lived experiences and professional expertise to influence the creation of recovery tools, programming, and policies.

Advocacy & Policy Engagement

The Peer Advisory Council plays a crucial role in advocating for the recovery community. Their efforts help ensure that the voices of those with lived experience are heard and considered in policy development and recovery initiatives.

Shaping Recovery Services & Programs

The Council influences the creation and evolution of recovery services, ensuring they meet the needs of those in recovery. By offering their expertise, they ensure services remain effective and responsive to the community.

Our Partners

Strategies to End Homelessness

People with Lived Expertise Workgroup was developed as an official Cincinnati’s Continuum of Care (CoC) Workgroup which includes a seat on the CoC Board.

The PWLX WG provides input and policy recommendations on existing screening tools, focus group questions, policies, data collection and more local efforts to ensure the homelessness system is effective and equitable.

Join the Workgroup

Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition

Has a dedicated Recovery Pillar with a member of the PAC as a steering committee member to emphasize the essential role of lived experience in our initiatives

Learn More

Meet The Team

  • Hannah Schilling

    Hannah Schilling is a Certified Peer Support Supervisor whose lived experience informs countywide harm-reduction programs as Community Outreach Coordinator at Hamilton County Public Health. She founded On the Front Lines Community Alliance (OTFLCA), contributes to PWLX workgroup and ECHO initiatives, and has received multiple honors—including two National Promising Practices Awards—for work that reduces stigma and builds pathways to lasting wellness.

  • Luis Villagrana

    A person in long-term recovery who is a passionate advocate for those experiencing substance use and mental health. With his clinical background, he serves others through forming reputable relationships with our community partners, to assist community members with their needs. He has been dedicated to supporting and advocating for individuals through their own recovery journey.

  • Katherine Dawes

    A person in long-term recovery who is a passionate advocate for those experiencing substance misuse. Work is focused in Southwest Ohio focused primarily on the Medicaid population helping those in need and their families navigate SUD and MH treatment options. Working with the  EMPOWER Project as a Stakeholder devolving current research for those experiencing Substance Use during Pregnancy and Postpartum.

  • Donald Weatherwax

    Donald Weatherwax is a passionate recovery advocate and founder of multiple sober living homes across Western Kentucky and Ohio. Drawing from his own recovery journey, he creates housing that fosters healing, accountability, and lasting sobriety. As a leader in Oxford House, he ensures these homes feel like true communities—not institutions. Currently, he leads a team that has opened over 320 recovery beds in Ohio, expanding access to inclusive, supportive housing for those in recovery.

  • Erica Parks

    Certified Peer Recovery Supporter, CDCA. Has worked in homeless outreach for over 3 years assisting individuals into treatment and accessing resources. Hold positions on Homeless Clearinghouse Board, Homeless Outreach, PWLX and Community Connections workgroups.

  • Michael May

    Michael May, CDCA II, PRS, is a dedicated professional in the treatment field, specializing in substance use disorder. Driven by a deep passion for helping others, he provides compassionate support, advocates for comprehensive care, and connects individuals with essential resources to foster their recovery journey and overall well-being.

  • Shawna Weber

    Shawna Weber is a person in long-term recovery and a passionate advocate. As a Certified Peer Specialist and holder of a CDCA II credential, Shawna is committed to educating others about the tools available to support individuals on their recovery journey. Her mission is to ensure that anyone seeking help can find the guidance and support they need to begin and sustain recovery.

  • Matthew Godwin

    Matt is a Certified Peer Recovery Supporter whose lived experience in recovery drives his advocacy and support work in Cincinnati after relocating from West Virginia. With a diverse background as a cook, stagehand, mechanic, and seasonal Christmas-light installer, he brings practical skills and adaptability to his mission of fostering resilience, hope, and positive change in his community.

Let your voice be heard!

We are always accepting applications from leaders, advocates, and community members who support the mission of the On the Front Lines Community, agree with the ethos ‘Nothing About Us Without Us,’ and are looking for meaningful ways to contribute to the local recovery community.

Apply Today