Virginia SOAR Local Leads
Agencies working with individuals who need assistance with Social Security designate workers to complete the SOAR online training. Virginia SOAR does not operate as a referral program but does provide free, self-paced training to any agency/organization/individual who may need to submit applications on behalf of their clients. If you are interested in becoming SOAR Certified in the State of Virginia, you can enroll in the free online training via the following link:
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https://soarworks.samhsa.gov/course/ssissdi-outreach-access-and-recovery-soar-online-training
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The Virginia SOAR Program is coordinated through a State Lead, Georgi Fisher, and several Local Leads. SOAR Local Leads coordinate SOAR programs in their region and are the central point of contact for information for their region. Please reach out to the SOAR Local Lead assigned to your area with questions about training. If your area does not have a SOAR Local Lead, please reach out to Georgi Fisher, State Lead, for assistance.
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If you reach out to a lead regarding assistance you will not receive a response at this time. Please reach out to your local service agency and encourage your worker to review SOAR training if you need assistance. We are unable to provide referrals of any type.
State Lead
Georgi Fisher - State of Virginia
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services
Office of Community Housing
Email: georgi.fisher@dbhds.virginia.gov
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Local Leads
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Megan Samples and Lauren Rooney
Co-Leads: Cities of Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George, and Caroline , VA
Email: lauren@dolovewalk.net
Email: megan.samples@gwregion.org
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Kathleen Talbott
Lead: City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, Bedford, Christiansburg, City of Radford, Blacksburg, Pulaski and Floyd Counties and surrounding areas
Email: ktalbott@brbh.org
Georgi Fisher
Lead: City of Richmond and Colonial Heights, Counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Petersburg, Powhatan, Prince George, VA
Email: georgi.fisher@dbhds.virginia.gov
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Kat Heredia
Lead: Rocky Mount and surrounding areas, VA
Email: kheredia@piedmontcsb.org
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Kat Heredia
Co-Leads: City of Charlottesville, County of Albemarle, VA
Email: kheredia@piedmoncsb.org
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Kathleen Talbott
Lead: Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Wythe and the City of Galax, VA
Email: ktalbott@brbh.org
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Jessica Wenger
Co-Lead: Cities of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudon, Prince William, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Oakton and Manassas and Winchester, VA
Email: jessica.wenger@alexadriava.gov
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Lauren Tolly and Cheryl Knight
Co-Leads: Cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Hampton, Suffolk, surrounding counties, VA; Eastern Shore – Nassawadox, Parksley, Exmore, Belle Haven, Onancock, and Accomack;
Email: lauren.tolly@jamescitycountyva.gov
Email: cknight@wtcsb.org
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Brooke Singh
Lead: City of Lynchburg, VA
Email: brooke.middleton@horizonbh.org
Phone: 434-455-3469
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