Dear colleagues and friends,
As I complete my final term as President of the National Sobering Collaborative, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come together — and to share my excitement about the strong leadership that will guide us into our next chapter.
When I helped to co-found NSC in 2013, we set out to build a community for those committed to compassionate, evidence-based alternatives to jail and emergency departments for people experiencing acute intoxication. Together, we’ve grown from a small network of dedicated providers into a powerful movement that is shaping the future of sobering care.
I am deeply proud of all we have accomplished — from convening national summits and advancing best practices, to building partnerships that have elevated sobering care as a vital part of the continuum.
This past year, we also laid the groundwork for the first-ever CARF accreditation program for Sobering Centers, which will launch in 2026 — a milestone that will help define and strengthen our field for years to come. None of this would have been possible without your shared commitment, collaboration, and belief in our mission.
You continue to inspire me. Every conversation, email, and visit to your respective communities reinforces the importance of our efforts and motivates me to keep doing this work.
Today, I’m honored to introduce the new slate of NSC officers who will carry this work forward with integrity, vision, and heart:
 Laura Elmore LeBlanc, LMSW-AP Board President Chief Executive Officer The Sobering Center Austin, TX Previously served as the Board Secretary, Membership Committee Chair, and 2024 Sobering Summit Board Chair |  Arish Narayen, Esq. Vice President/Secretary Project Manager DC Department of Behavioral Health Washington, D.C. Board member since 2022; serving on the Finance and Fund Development and Membership Committee |  Jenny Bickler Treasurer Director of Finance CODA, Inc. Portland, OR Continuing in her role; Elected in 2024 |
Each of these leaders brings deep experience and dedication to our mission. I have every confidence in their ability to strengthen NSC’s foundation and expand our impact.
While I am stepping down as Board President, I am not stepping away. As Immediate Past President, I look forward to continuing to support our leadership team and this incredible community as we put the next pieces of this important work together.
Thank you for the privilege of leading alongside you. The future of NSC is bright — and in very good hands.
In appreciation,
Shannon Smith-Bernardin, PhD, RN, CNL
Co-Founder & Immediate Past President
View the full 12-person NSC Board of Directors here.