Patty Spady – Founder and Advocate for Alcohol Awareness
Patty Spady, a devoted mother and tireless advocate, turned personal tragedy into a powerful mission to save lives. Following the loss of her daughter, Sam Spady, to alcohol poisoning, Patty and her husband Rick founded the Sam Spady Foundation, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of alcohol misuse and poisoning. Through her leadership, the foundation has become a beacon of education and prevention, empowering young people and their communities to make safer choices.
Patty’s advocacy extends beyond the foundation’s work. Her efforts helped inspire the creation of an alcohol task force at Colorado State University (CSU) to address the rising issue of binge drinking among students. As a result, alcohol education and bystander training have become essential components of CSU’s student programs, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to intervene and help peers in need.
Driven by her passion for protecting others and honoring Sam’s legacy, Patty continues to work tirelessly to spread awareness, promote education, and prevent alcohol-related tragedies. Her unwavering commitment has touched countless lives, fostering a culture of responsibility and compassion.
Cheri Dragoo – Addiction Medicine Specialist
Dr. Cheri Dragoo is a highly accomplished Addiction Medicine Specialist with extensive expertise in helping individuals overcome alcohol dependence and substance use disorders. She is a licensed physician dedicated to advancing patient recovery through evidence-based medical treatments, innovative therapies, and compassionate care.
Dr. Dragoo earned her medical degree from a renowned institution, followed by specialized training and board certification in Addiction Medicine. Throughout her career, she has been recognized with numerous awards for her outstanding contributions to addiction treatment and her commitment to improving the lives of those affected by substance use disorders. Her accolades highlight her excellence in patient care, clinical research, and advocacy for accessible recovery solutions.
With a focus on individualized treatment plans, Dr. Dragoo integrates the latest advances in addiction medicine with a patient-centered approach. Her dedication to reducing the stigma surrounding addiction and promoting long-term recovery makes her an invaluable member of our team, helping to lead our mission of combating alcohol dependence and fostering hope for a healthier future.
John Ballew
John R. Ballew is a highly experienced psychotherapist and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of expertise in helping individuals, couples, and groups achieve personal growth and overcome life challenges. With a deep focus on addiction recovery, John has dedicated his career to supporting those struggling with substance use disorders, including alcohol dependence, guiding them toward sustainable healing and resilience.
John holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Purdue University, where he developed a strong foundation in therapeutic practices, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Louis University. His academic background, combined with decades of hands-on experience, allows him to provide tailored, evidence-based care to meet the unique needs of each client.
Specializing in addiction recovery, John integrates compassionate counseling with proven therapeutic techniques to address the underlying causes of addiction and foster long-term well-being. His dedication to empowering individuals and their families makes him an invaluable part of our mission to combat alcohol dependence and promote healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Mark Hahn – Senior Research and Development Advisor
Mark Hahn serves as the Senior Research and Development Advisor for our foundation, bringing over two decades of experience in analytical chemistry and materials science. He holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati, where he conducted advanced research in analytical methods development, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from St. Joseph’s College (IN). This strong academic foundation has equipped Mark with the expertise to lead innovative projects and support the development of effective treatments for alcohol dependence.
Mark applies his deep knowledge of analytical techniques, including FTIR, Raman, UV-VIS, GC-MS, and LC-MS, to enhance formulations and improve recovery-focused therapies. His skills in reverse engineering and product analysis enable the foundation to optimize current treatment options, ensuring they are both effective and accessible. Mark’s dedication to advancing addiction recovery science underscores his invaluable contributions to our mission of combating alcohol dependence.
Cathy Buss – Registered Nurse and Addiction Recovery Specialist
Cathy Buss is a highly skilled Registered Nurse (RN) with extensive experience in healthcare and a dedicated focus on supporting individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. Having worked at Via Christi Health, Cathy has honed her expertise in addiction recovery, providing compassionate care and evidence-based interventions to patients on their journey to sobriety.
Throughout her career, Cathy has worked closely with individuals affected by alcohol dependence, helping them navigate the challenges of withdrawal, recovery, and long-term health management. Her hands-on experience includes patient education, administering treatment plans, and offering emotional support to individuals and their families. Cathy’s dedication to holistic care ensures that every patient receives personalized attention tailored to their unique needs.
Cathy’s deep understanding of the complexities of addiction, combined with her commitment to improving patient outcomes, makes her an invaluable member of our team. Her passion for empowering individuals to reclaim their lives fuels our mission to combat alcohol dependence through compassionate care and support.