Liana is a dedicated Public Relations Coordinator for the Region 6 PRC. Previously, Liana served Phoenix House Texas as a certified prevention specialist with over 20 years of experience in the field. Known for their self-motivation and passion for making a difference, Liana has consistently demonstrated a commitment to bringing about positive change. Their expertise spans various aspects of prevention, and they have a proven track record of inspiring others and creating impactful change.
Currently, Liana is focused on transforming the field of public relations within region 6. They aim to leverage their extensive experience and innovative approach to inspire and lead initiatives that promote awareness, education, and proactive measures. Liana’s vision is to foster a community that is well-informed and empowered to take preventive actions, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more resilient society.
Sherry Peoples-Banks has built a meaningful and diverse career in prevention and behavioral health over her 15 years with Phoenix House Texas. Starting as a Prevention Specialist, she worked closely with schools and communities to deliver evidence-based substance use prevention programs, strengthening partnerships to expand outreach and effectiveness. Her roles have included serving as a Case Manager, where she further demonstrated her leadership, clear communication, and dedication to promoting healthy behaviors among youth.
Now, in her role as Regional Alignment Coordinator, Sherry is applying her extensive experience on a strategic level. She collaborates with key stakeholders to optimize regional prevention initiatives and drive data-driven decision-making, continuing her commitment to community well-being.
Sherry is an Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist (ACPS), demonstrating her deep expertise in the field. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services and her MBA with a focus on Nonprofit Management and Strategic Leadership from Springfield College. She is nearing the completion of her Doctorate in Business Administration from Liberty University, with a specialization in Nonprofit Management and Strategic Leadership.
Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Sherry enjoys ministering, writing, softball, bowling, and traveling. With her extensive experience, strong educational background, and personal passions, Sherry continues to make a lasting impact through her work advancing behavioral health and prevention strategies.
Juan-Carlos has been part of the Phoenix House Texas prevention team for ten years, first as a Prevention Specialist providing services to schools. Juan-Carlos next served as Coalition Coordinator where he enjoyed connecting families in the community to sources where they can find help and support. Juan-Carlos currently serves as the Tobacco Compliance Coordinator for the Region 6 Prevention Resource Center.
Juan-Carlos has been married for 30 years to Nohemi, a wonderful educational therapist and schoolteacher. His son is currently serving in the military as a Special Forces International Medical Advisor, and his daughter followed in her mother’s footsteps and, after graduating from the University of Texas, is currently in private practice as an educational therapist.
Juan-Carlos worked as a corporate trainer for years until his life changed due to illness. He then took time away from the corporate world to learn about preventing substance use and ways to get involved to help young people. Starting as a practicum student at Phoenix House Texas, he fell in love with PHT’s mission and is enthusiastic about working with underserved families, creating a difference through PHT’s Positive Prevention efforts.
Connor Gilbertson graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations. After graduation, he began working in the Substance Use Prevention field at The Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council with the Region 5 Prevention Resource Center (PRC) as their Public Relations Coordinator. He then moved to Houston, where he served as the Public Relations Coordinator for the Region 6 PRC at the Council on Recovery. Connor serves Phoenix House Texas as the Region 6 PRC Director.
Crystal Waddell holds a Master’s degree in Health Care Administration and is an Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist with over 17 years of experience in the prevention field. She became the Director of the Phoenix House of Texas Prevention team in February 2017, previously serving as Prevention Supervisor at Phoenix House from 2002 to 2015. Her nonprofit management experience also includes positions at Harris County’s Residential and Treatment facility, Young Men About Change (YMAC), and Women Helping Ourselves (WHO-A), where she was responsible for planning, organizing, directing, controlling the management and service delivery and related administrative and support activities; as well as ensured compliance with program standards and contract requirements.
She has years of experience working in residential, juvenile, public, and charter school settings, servicing youth and adults throughout the city of Houston. With her dedication to the individuals that she serves, her goal is to increase awareness of the dangers that are associated with drugs and alcohol and give the community resources that will equip them to live a healthy lifestyle.