Jennifer Yates

Jennifer Yates, A.A. Psychology, CPSS, serves as the Peer Support Advocate and Liaison for the Suda Institute. She is a trusted connector between the SUN Project and the communities it serves. With years of experience in healthcare, Jennifer specializes in perinatal substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions. As a woman in long-term recovery, Jennifer brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role. Through her prior experience working in the SUN Clinic, Jennifer witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by patients and providers, and she now brings that insight and knowledge to her role with the Suda Institute.

Born and raised locally, Jennifer is deeply rooted in the community and considered resource-rich, drawing on her extensive connections and firsthand knowledge to ensure individuals and families have access to the support they need. This perspective, combined with her experience as a mother, allows her to bring authentic, raw truths to conversations with those who may not have lived these realities themselves. Her passion extends to cultural diversity, inspired by her experience as a mom of three biracial children.

Jennifer is also an author, having written her autobiography that highlights the highs and lows of addiction, recovery, and motherhood. Her story fuels her dedication to helping those who feel overlooked or undervalued and stands as a testament to resilience and faith.

Outside of her professional life, Jennifer is deeply involved in her church, enjoys finding budget-friendly activities for her family, supports her oldest daughter in leadership opportunities, proudly cheers courtside as a basketball mom, and navigates the joys of raising a toddler.