Staff Biographies

Executive Director

LCC Coordinator

MOS host

Partnership for Success Project Director

Mental Health Awareness Training Coordinator

MOS Host

Kaitlyn Griffin has been the Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) Coordinator for two years. Recently, she became the Project Director for PCSAC's Partnerships for Success (PFS) Grant. She is a certified instructor in both Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid, with the ability to deliver in-person or virtual trainings. Additionally she is a Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach (Level I) and holds a Bachelor of Social Work. Kaitlyn is currently enrolled at Indiana University Northwest pursuing a Master of Social Work with a concentration in mental health and addictions.  

While working at PCSAC she focuses on promoting mental wellness, increasing awareness of mental health disorders, and decreasing the stigma associated with mental illness. She also values the prevention of substance use and expanding peoples’ knowledge on the long-lasting effects of youth substance use. Kaitlyn also facilitates trainings for adults on a program called “Wake Up Call”, which provides practical information on current drug trends and a detailed display of “red flag items” that may be indicative of youth substance use.  

She have devoted the last five and a half years to becoming a professional in the field of social work, specifically mental health and addictions, in order to help other people cope through difficult situations. In her spare time, she loves being with her fiancé, her dog, and her family!

 "It is never too early to talk prevention with your kids."

Partnerships for Success Lead Epidemiologist 

Ms. Chen is an epidemiologist with four years of experience working in the public health field. Jie focuses on investigating and identify the root cause of public health issues in the community with excellent analytic and research skills. Prior to joining PCSAC, she spent one year at Indiana University - Purdue University as a research assistant and a program coordinator. Jie aims to improve health outcomes by understanding the public health barrier, accessing community resources, and implementing greater community health education programs to the local community. During her free time, she loves hiking with her dogs at different state parks.

Partnerships for Success Community Coordinator

MOS Producer and Host

Carley Samayoa has been with PCSAC since January 2019.  She began by coordinating the Partnerships for Success grant that ended in 2020.  In an effort to educate the community she produces and co-hosts the Matters of Substance podcast.  She also began the sharps collection initiative, which allows Porter County residence to turn in sharps to participating police departments. Carley has a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice that she received from Indiana University. In addition, she is currently taking master level courses to obtain a graduate certificate in Addictions Interventions through Indiana University. Carley's hobbies include painting and taking photos. In her down time she enjoys spending time with her husband and pup!