Crystal Collier, PhD, herself a person in long-term recovery, is a therapist and educator who has been working with adolescents and adults suffering from mental illness, behavioral problems and substance use disorders since 1991. Dr. Collier’s comprehensive prevention model, which teaches the neurodevelopmental effects of risky behavior to children, teens, teachers and parents, was selected for the 2015 Prevention and Education Commendation from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. In 2018, she received the Torch Bearer Award for her work in the field of addiction from the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals.

Dr. Collier’s area of expertise includes adolescent brain development, prevention programming, parent coaching, addiction, family-of-origin work, and training new clinicians. From 2007 to 2018, she served as the Clinical Director for adolescent services at The Council on Recovery. In 2018, The Hope and Healing Center and Institute in Houston, TX, granted Dr. Collier a research fellowship to support the completion of The NeuroWhereAbouts Guide. In 2019, she received the Outstanding Research Award from the Association of Alternative Peer Groups and was acknowledged as Counselor of the Year by the Houston Counseling Association.

My philosophy about the role and future of Houston TAAP : Houston TAAP has been my ‘go to’ for referrals, education, and collegiate fellowship as professional in Houston. The annual conference has offered a wonderful, connective experiences to addiction meet and learn from professionals in my community. It would be an honor to serve Houston TAAP.