Teronya Holmes

Background

About Teronya Holmes

Teronya Holmes is dedicated to helping discover, create, and implement solutions to address the problem of substance use disorder, trauma, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their effects. Teronya's own personal experience with a short-term physiological dependency upon opioids after major surgery opened her eyes to the the bio-psycho/neuro-spiritual effects of substance use disorders/addiction and how important it is that we find and implement solutions in the Church, in communities, in health care, and beyond that meet all aspects of treatment and recovery so that those suffering may truly recover and FLOURISH in their daily lives. As the former Executive Director of the Holy Friendship Collaborative, she worked and continues to work in collaboration with the Church, communities, and organizations such as Duke Divinity School's Theology, Medicine & Culture Initiative, East Tennessee State University's Department of Psychology and The Strong Brain Institute, Ballad Health, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Virginia Department of Health, and others throughout the Appalachian Highlands and beyond to faithfully discern and address the problem of addiction in biblically-inspired ways. She is also focused on helping others understand and recognize the importance of personal connection and relationship in healing, and educating other - especially the Church, in overcoming the stigma surrounding SUD and subsequent recovery. Teronya is currently trained in Mental Health First Aid and is a trainer for Trauma Informed Care, both secular and faith-based versions. She currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Uplift Appalachia; as a member of the Advisory Board of the Strong BRAIN Institute (a collaboration of ETSU and Ballad Health); as a board member for ONE Tennessee (communications committee and chair of the fundraising committee); and is a member of the ETSU Addiction Science Center Work Group at ETSU. Teronya graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, enjoyed a long career in corporate/community wellness, pharmaceutical and healthcare sales/marketing, and nonprofit leadership. Teronya and her husband enjoy raising their three sports-minded teenage sons, serving as host-family to their Brazilian exchange student "son", travel, outdoor sports and activities, and involvement in their church and community. Teronya also enjoys occasional "work" as an experienced travel writer and influencer for organizations such as Disney, Dollywood, and TravelingMom.