Olivia Pape

Briefly describe your current role as a public health practitioner.

I am the director (and founding member) of the WVU Collegiate Recovery Program. In my role, I provide support, services, education and opportunities for students who are in recovery from substance use disorder, eating disorders and other mental health or behavioral health concerns. Our program also provides support to students who have been impacted by addiction and those who are seeking to improve their relationship with substances, food, body, weight, anxiety and stress. The program focuses on helping students build a meaningful, balanced life and find a sense of purpose and belonging.

I am also an adjunct instructor for the WVU Department of Counseling and Learning Sciences. I developed a course, Recovery Allyship and Advocacy, which built on the Recovery Ally trainings that we have offered since 2020. To date, I have trained more than 700 recovery allies here on campus.

Why did you choose WVU for your public health education?

I was working for the School of Public Health, which means I had a front row seat to all the excitement! After moving to West Virginia in 2015, I knew I wanted to further my education. I knew I wanted to do some sort of recovery work but I had no interest in counseling, so I wasn't sure what to do. Once I started working for the School of Public Health, I quickly realized public health was the route for me.

Tell us about your field placement experience.

I completed my field placement with the WVU Collegiate Recovery Program. I knew this was work I was interested in, and I was able to translate a lot of what I learned then into my role now.

What advice would you give today’s Public Health students?

For those still in school, get involved! Be curious and try out different clubs, go to different events, meet different people. There are so many opportunities at your fingertips!

For grads just starting out in the workforce, if there is ever a gap or a role to be filled in the work you are doing, do it. Jump in and help out and remember there is no job too small. You never know where it could lead!