Meet the RIZE Prevention Team
Inspiring Positive Change
Martine Helou-Allen
ICAAMC, The Addictions Academy / MHFA for Youth / SBIRT Certified, SAMHSA / MAPP (Prehab)
Founder & Executive Director
“My own childhood was torn apart by divorce and drug addiction. I medicated my unmet emotional needs in ways that were destructive. At the time, I did not understand what was creating the needs that were causing this destructive behavior. But with the support of school counselors, teachers, and principals who encouraged me, believed in me, and created opportunities to discover my talents and potential, I found my way in life. Now, I am driven by the conviction that every teen deserves that same support and encouragement to dream and achieve greatness.
I never imagined I would be the executive director of a nonprofit whose mission is drug prevention for teens, but every step of my personal journey has led me to this exact place. My life experiences, my educational and leadership pursuits, and the eclectic professional career I started at 16 years old have all contributed to why and how I created RIZE Prevention. But more than any of those factors, this pursuit is driven by the unmatched value I place on encouraging and empowering others to resiliently overcome their circumstances. It has made facing every challenge in establishing RIZE worth it. Every single teen we help is worth it all!
When I’m not in schools or in the office, I love spending time with my husband, two sons, and “Diggity-dog” Argo. We enjoy hiking, boating, jet skiing on the lake, and the adventure of traveling west or hitting the road for an unplanned weekend trip. I also enjoy spending my free time reading, especially about Christian theology, and cooking.”
“As a teen, I never experimented with drugs. I grew up in a home where my parents often had discussions with me about the detrimental consequences of using substances. Throughout my childhood and adolescent years, I was blessed with an amazing family, teachers, and mentors who validated and uplifted me. I was truly blessed.
While in college, I witnessed many of my classmates and friends fall into the trap of drug addiction. Most were self-medicating trauma that they experienced as children or adolescents. Today, some of these friends are survivors – proudly educating others on the truth about substance use. Others sadly lost their life to the hardest battle they ever fought – the battle against addiction.
So many of our teens try to mask their brokenness through destructive self-medication, only to realize the consequences when it is too late. I love working with our RIZE team because we save lives. Not only do we address the root cause of the substance use, we empower teens to make positive lifestyle choices so that they can be successful. We change MINDSETS, so that we can change the FUTURE.”
Anne-Harrison graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2019 with a degree in Political Science & Italian – Go Gamecocks! Having worked for the South Carolina House of Representatives and legal powerhouses such as Nexen Pruet, Anne-Harrison is no stranger to substance use legislation and public policy. When she is not working, Anne-Harrison enjoys spending time with her boyfriend Constantine and her four dogs: Luke, Boone Rocky & Bo (can you ever have too many dogs?)
Anne-Harrison Lominack
Administrative Manager
R.J. Beach
ICAAMC, The Addictions Academy / MHFA for Youth / SBIRT Certified, SAMHSA /MAPP (Prehab)
Parent Liaison
“I spent thirty years in education serving as a teacher, coach and athletic administrator and the consequences of teens using drugs have been a startling reality over those years. In 2021, one of my former basketball players, who was in his mid 20’s, died from drug use. He was the fifth of my former athletes, along with two students I taught in PE class, who tragically lost their lives far too early due to drug or alcohol use. This was a wake-up call for me.
I decided to make a career change where I could become part of the solution to the rising tide of teen drug use and addiction. I realized there wasn’t a better or more important way to spend my time than to help prevent young people and their families from possibly experiencing the horrible tragedies associated with drug use and addiction. My 30 years of working with young people and their parents as an educator and coach has really prepared me for this new role with RIZE Prevention.
When I am not working, I enjoy playing golf, going on vacation with my family, and attending concerts.”
“As a child, I saw first-hand the permanent and long-reaching affects that drug addiction has, not just on the person using, but also on the families surrounding them. One of the major contributing factors of me not also falling into that lifestyle was having a strong support group around me to teach me that there were better alternatives than drugs. I have spent the entirety of my professional career helping people see their value, teaching that it does not come from drugs, or from other people. Before starting at RIZE, I was both an associate pastor as well as a youth pastor, working with people of all ages and from all walks of life. My passion is helping others reach their greatest potential.
I have an amazing wife and two energetic young boys. I love to cook, read, sit around a campfire, and the occasional video game.”
Scott Mason
ICAAMC, The Addictions Academy / SBIRT Certified, SAMHSA / Ordained Youth Minister
Student Liaison Coordinator and BEYOND Genesis 3 Director
Symphony Thompson
Student Liaison
“If I knew then what I know now”. Something we’ve all said or thought at some point in our lives, right? But what if we had an opportunity to take those lessons learned and share them with a growing mind that still has an opportunity to do things differently? Well, with Rize Prevention, I am honored to do exactly that!
I’ve witnessed firsthand how substance use can derail the lives of those who are involved and how quickly families are torn apart as a result, sometimes seemingly beyond repair. I’ve personally turned to self-medicating, not because I wanted to escape, but because I didn’t have the tools or resources to help me regulate my emotions in a healthy way.
And now with Rize Prevention, I get the opportunity to speak to youth about the realities of substance use, the power of choice, and the strength that comes from vulnerability and asking for help. We are a dedicated team working to inspire and equip youth to rize above the influence of substance use and addiction. Because in a time such as now, the best thing we can give our youth is truth —unfiltered, respectful, and rooted in care.
When I’m not working, you can usually find me riding my bike, reading about Christian theology, relaxing in a hammock, or listening to music. Oh and I can’t forget to share that I love teaching my 11 year old dog new tricks. “
Coming Soon…
Patrick Sapp
Program Presenter / Mental Health Support Coordinator
Kelly Moore Black
MHFA Instructor / Peer Support Specialist / ICAAMC, The Addictions Academy / SBIRT Certified, SAMHSA
Student Coach and Services Facilitator
“My family and I have been through an experience that exposed me to the ways that drugs can damage not only the body of the individual but also tear at the fiber of the family itself. Fortunately, these damages to the body and strain on the family can be completely prevented by resisting drug use. I want to use my story to share with others the consequences of drug use, and the many benefits of a sober mind.
I am very passionate about helping people to understand the own mental health, and how to support healthier lifestyles in both themselves and in others. I have worked in this field for years, with experience in motivational interviewing, mentoring, equine-assisted therapy, peer support, trauma support, and teen/adult crisis support.
I love spending time with family, and friends, and training animals using positive reinforcement. My husband and I have fun singing and playing music together. I try a new recipe nearly every time I cook and enjoy sharing meals with loved ones!”
“Having witnessed the devastating impact of addiction on both individuals and their families, I’m deeply committed to the mission of RIZE Prevention. My passion lies in our work, driven by the desire to prevent the heartache and challenges that teens can face when it comes to substance abuse.
While I firmly believe in the importance of prevention, I also understand that individuals may still find themselves on the path of addiction. In those moments, I’m here to offer a message of hope, to remind everyone that recovery is not only real but a gateway to a brighter future.
I consider myself truly fortunate to merge my communication skills, honed through my degree, with a profound passion for our mission at RIZE Prevention.”
Madeleine Green
Social Media & Marketing Manager
Rachael Snow
Community Engagement Manager
“My “why” comes from lived experience. I know what it’s like to see the impact of addiction on families and I also know the strength it takes to rise above it. My journey has taught me that with the right support, guidance, and belief in yourself, you can truly rewrite your story.
As a mother, I made it my mission to break the cycle and raise my sons to lead with integrity, leadership, and purpose. Watching them grow into strong, resilient young men has deepened my belief in the power of prevention and the importance of showing youth that they are capable of so much more than their circumstances.
I’ve spent nearly a decade being part of an organization that teaches youth to build confidence, leadership, and vision for their future. At RIZE Prevention, I have the privilege of continuing that work, by helping to empower young people to rize above the influence of substance use and addiction, and equipping them with the tools to lead healthy, purpose driven lives.
RIZE Prevention represents everything I believe in, hope, healing, and the opportunity to change the narrative for the next generation. This work isn’t just professional for me, it’s deeply personal. Every young person we reach is a reminder that healing is possible, and that rising above begins with being seen, loved, supported, and believed in.”
“Even from a young age, I had a strong interest in mentoring the younger generation. In middle school, I was volunteering in children’s church. In high school, I helped as a student leader in youth group. Afterward, I was actively involved as a youth leader, a house parent at a children’s home, juvenile detention center volunteer, and a Sunday school teacher.
I grew up with wonderful mentors and positive influences in my life. But I recognize that not everyone is as fortunate as I was to grow up in the same way, and I’m determined to pay it forward by rescuing hurting youth from painful futures. This generation is facing countless challenges threatening to rob them of their identity, purpose, and future. Because of my experience, I feel called to work with youth and be the supportive, healthy adult influence in their lives that I had in mine.
When I’m not working with youth, I spend much of my time trailrunning, filmmaking, photographing concerts, camping, working on cars, and spending time with my family and friends.”
Tyler Linn
Student Liason
Prascovia Berber
Student Liason
“I have had the privilege of working with children and adolescents for many years. Before starting at RIZE Prevention, I worked as a schoolteacher. I am continually inspired by the potential of young minds, and I believe strongly that their minds need to be nurtured, supported, and protected.
My own family has experienced the impact of mental health challenges, and I know firsthand how deeply they can affect the mind, body, and spirit. These experiences have shaped my passion for prevention and early intervention, ensuring that challenges are addressed before they lead to unnecessary struggles.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. I also love playing pickleball, as well as expressing my creativity through music by playing the piano and singing.”
“I haven’t personally experienced drug use within my family, but through my work with young people, I’ve seen how important it is to empower them and give them the tools they need to move forward and stay away from substance use.
In my home country, Colombia, I coordinated several social impact programs, collaborating with different stakeholders to build youth public policies, train young leaders, and provide them with the resources they need to thrive. I strongly believe that youth need guidance, support, and encouragement to protect their mental health.
At RIZE Prevention, my goal is to ensure that Hispanic families feel supported, understood, and connected.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family — my husband and our two daughters, Emma and Gaby. We enjoy exploring parks, skating, and spending time with friends.”
