Chris Newcomb
Midlothian,VA
Summary
Dynamic certified peer recovery specialist with over 20 years in mental health and addiction recovery. Proven track record in leadership roles, enhancing peer support services and community engagement through innovative programs and culturally sensitive approaches.
Overview
1
1
Certification
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Show Director and Music Instructor
School of Rock
Midlothian, VA
02.2025 - Current
- Facilitated teamwork and process improvement within student bands as show director, fostering collaboration and performance quality.
- Delivered best-in-class instruction in guitar, bass, drums, keys, and vocals.
- Collaborated in developing interdisciplinary curricula for summer camp programs, enhancing engagement and learning experiences.
Singer/Songwriter
Arrington
08.2022 - 12.2024
- Composed, produced, and performed all instruments on debut record "Chasing Destiny," showcasing songwriting and musicianship.
- Shared original songs with recovery themes, fostering community support for peers facing mental health and substance use challenges.
- Authored debut book titled "Chasing Destiny: Songs for the Journey of Life," providing insights and inspiration through music.
VPRSN Coordinator
Mental Health America Virginia (MHAV)
07.2022 - 10.2022
- Curated and managed five social media accounts, increasing online engagement through targeted content.
- Created and distributed two networking videos each month, fostering connections among peers in the recovery community.
- Composed a weekly newsletter on recovery topics, keeping subscribers informed and engaged with relevant resources.
- Produced and released two monthly podcasts focusing on industry insights.
- Operated job board by posting new opportunities for peer recovery specialists.
Executive Director
Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center
07.2019 - 06.2022
- Utilized servant leadership model to provide supportive and creative direction to direct reports and board of directors.
- Secured funding to enhance services for existing and new peers.
- Ensured adherence to sound financial practices for effective management of operational and grant funds.
- Expanded social media presence across multiple platforms, increasing brand visibility and influence in the marketplace.
- Delivered peer recovery coaching services through various technologies, effectively engaging diverse age groups and fostering community connections.
- Increased direct service offerings during COVID-19 using online platforms like Zoom and GoToMeeting.
- Developed and produced music project as coaching support tool for clients, enhancing engagement and resource availability.
Interim Executive Director
Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center
06.2019 - 07.2019
- Facilitated leadership transition with Board of Directors to ensure continuity and alignment on strategic goals.
- Redefined mission and vision of organization while enhancing online presence through engaging staff bio videos.
- Streamlined best practices in finance and peer services to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
- Developed a clear vision for the organization's future direction. for strategic plan and growth into a multi-site company.
- Refocused staff and peer community towards the mission statement of the organization.
- Cultivated existing relationships with community stakeholders while pursuing new ones.
Peer Support Specialist
Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center
10.2018 - 06.2019
- Guided peers in identifying and pursuing personal goals, offering daily accountability to transform aspirations into reality.
- Delivered coaching sessions that empowered clients in their wellness journeys, fostering self-reliance and personal growth.
- Supported clients in identifying personal passions and dreams, facilitating their journey towards self-improvement.
- Facilitated monthly planning meetings to create wellness classes.
- Collaborated with others to write songs focused on recovery themes. and taught music lessons.
Peer Support Specialist
Chesterfield County CSB
08.2016 - 07.2017
- Achieved peer recovery specialist designation through DBHDS.
- Facilitated peer recovery meetings in Chesterfield jail, empowering incarcerated individuals to develop strategies for successful reintegration post-release.
- Co-facilitated Double Trouble in Recovery, Preparation Skills, and Aftercare groups, fostering a supportive environment for individuals facing dual diagnoses.
- Delivered individualized case management to align support services with specific recovery goals, enhancing client engagement and accountability.
Wellness Coach
YMCA
03.2015 - 12.2015
- Guided clients in achieving health and wellness goals through tailored strategies, improving their overall well-being.
- Educated clients on effective use of fitness apps, leading to increased goal attainment.
- Engaged members in program offerings, enhancing customer satisfaction and participation.
- Obtained certifications in personal training and CPR to uphold safety standards.
Aftercare Manager
The Coleman Institute
10.2009 - 10.2014
- Delivered aftercare programs for 9 nationwide offices, ensuring adherence to allocated parameters.
- Managed a caseload of 20-60+ substance abuse patients per month.
- Enhanced aftercare treatment process, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
- Established referral relationships with other treatment service providers nationwide.
- Increased special project revenue by 80% through client referrals, coaching, and IOP management.
- Created, facilitated and grew an online national Intensive Outpatient Program.
- Wrote, arranged, produced, composed, filmed, and edited patient testimonial and business marketing videos.
- Participated in continuing leadership education opportunities.
Substance Abuse Class Coach
Higher Ground Recovery, Inc.
08.2011 - 03.2013
- Facilitated psycho-educational substance abuse recovery classes for groups of 10-12 participants over 12 to 24 weeks, fostering a supportive environment for recovery and personal growth.
- Led group sessions to promote peer support and foster community connections.
- Assessed court-ordered young adults aged 18-25 for substance-related infractions, providing critical insights for legal compliance and rehabilitation.
Education
Master of Divinity - Theology
Duke University
Durham, NC12-2001
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Radford University
Radford, VA12-1996
Skills
- Resilience
- Emotional intelligence
- Problem solving
- Creativity
- Empathy
- Collaboration
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Music Production Software
- Mac and Windows platforms
- Google Workspace
- Email marketing tools
- Social media management
- Canva design software
- Music Video Production skills
- Forecasting techniques
- Budgeting strategies
- Mentoring and coaching
- Team building activities
- Public speaking
Certification
- Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
- Trauma-Informed
- Intentional Peer Support
- Digital Peer Support
- Seeking Safety
- WRAP training programs
- Certified Personal Trainer
- CPR-certified
- Certified Lifeguard
- Certified Personal Medicine Coach
Timeline
Show Director and Music Instructor
School of Rock
02.2025 - Current
Singer/Songwriter
Arrington
08.2022 - 12.2024
VPRSN Coordinator
Mental Health America Virginia (MHAV)
07.2022 - 10.2022
Executive Director
Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center
07.2019 - 06.2022
Interim Executive Director
Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center
06.2019 - 07.2019
Peer Support Specialist
Friends 4 Recovery Whole Health Center
10.2018 - 06.2019
Peer Support Specialist
Chesterfield County CSB
08.2016 - 07.2017
Wellness Coach
YMCA
03.2015 - 12.2015
Substance Abuse Class Coach
Higher Ground Recovery, Inc.
08.2011 - 03.2013
Aftercare Manager
The Coleman Institute
10.2009 - 10.2014
Master of Divinity - Theology
Duke University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Radford University