“But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?”
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Mackenzie Kohr
Mackenzie Kohr is the Donorship Director of the National Addiction Awareness Complex. Mackenzie oversees all donations efforts, fundraising, and promotional strategies for this amazing non-profit organization.
Mackenzie is a 2020 graduate of Arizona State University, with a Bachelor of Art History and minor in Communications. She is currently enrolled at Widener University for her Master of Social Work and a Certificate in Criminal Justice.
In her free time, Mackenzie loves to spend time with her family and friends, usually going on spontaneous adventures. Her wild puppy, Oreo also keeps her busy.
Kingston Hu
Kingston Hu is a data analyst intern who helped create databases for the National Addiction Awareness Complex. He is also responsible for helping keep the website updated.
Kingston is a senior at the Pennsylvania State University majoring in Data Science. Besides analyzing data, he likes to spend his free time hanging out with friends, going to the gym and playing sports. Kingston is part of the tennis club and a tour guide at Penn State.
Doug Gardener
Doug Gardener was a part of our web development team as an IT intern responsible for making schema to better visualize the website during construction, as well as assisting in setting up donation collection systems and organizing company information.
Doug is a senior at Penn State University, studying Data Science. Doug not only enjoys data science but also is involved with THON and is a member of the ski club at Penn State. When not involved at school Doug enjoys skiing, mountain biking and swimming.
Joanne Mercer
A graduate of Millersville University, Jo earned her B.A. in English and Theatre. You may remember her from QVC where she represented The Quacker Factory, or other items you may have in your homes right now, like Mr. Sticky, Magic Cloth, or Chef’s Envy. Now, Jo is honored to be a member of the NAAC organization.
Jo grew up in a typesetting / printing family, and started proofreading at the early age of ten! She is known as “Hawk Eye” within the NAAC world, and can spot spelling errors instinctively.
Jo lives in Womelsdorf with her husband of 38 years and spends most of her spare time with her children and grandchildren, creating fond memories and plenty of love.
Carl Brubaker
Carl Brubaker joined the team in March 2021. Having completed a Web Development and Design Certificate from HACC in December 2020, he was brought on to manage the website and get it ready for launching to the public.
Carl enjoys spending time with his wife and children and is involved in his church, New Beginnings Charis Fellowship in Myerstown, PA.
Roger Gold
Roger Gold joined the Awareness Complex team in April 2018. As an Awareness Complex Ambassador, he has experience in the fields of manufacturing, automotive sales rep and 6 years experience as a lobbyist in Washington, D.C.
Roger enjoys his recovery from alcohol with a sober date of April 5, 1988. He comes with the passion, shared vision and experience explaining the development stages of the Awareness Complex.
Roger resides in Bethlehem PA.
Sierra Taylor
Sierra joined the National Addiction Awareness Complex team as a writer in mid-2020. Sierra graduated from Millersville University in 2020, where she majored in English and minored in Creative Writing and Publishing. Ever since she was a kid, Sierra remembers having a love and passion for writing and creating. She is currently working on a Young Adult novel and has a slew of poetry she has created, as well. As long as she is writing, she is enjoying her time.
Sierra has a passion for helping others find their path to sobriety. She has been affected by addiction through multiple loved ones in her life, and she is proud to write for a company that has the same values she does.
In her personal life, Sierra enjoys laughing with her husband, cuddling with her dog and spending time with her mom, siblings, nieces and nephews. Sierra and her husband were excited to welcome their first child into the world in September 2020!
Kendall Reinford
Kendall Reinford works within the Information Technology realm of the website for the National Addiction Awareness Complex.
Kendall developed an interest in technology at a young age. A dedicated dream maker, his interest led him to establish Snap Computer Solutions in 2002. He created this “one-stop-shop” for businesses looking for someone dependable, who can simplify and secure their IT. Kendall is passionate about his business and strives to provide scalable solutions that help businesses solve their IT problems and maximize the benefits of their technology. While Kendall enjoys his professional life, he also loves his personal life. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Elisa, and their children.
Amanda Duffie-Fritz
Amanda Duffie-Fritz is responsible for the layout and design of the website for the National Addiction Awareness Complex.
A 2017 graduate of West Chester University, Amanda joined the team at Snap Computer Solutions in 2019. After completing her studies, she has worked with small and medium businesses throughout central Pennsylvania and the Main Line. Amanda is a dedicated professional. Her professional interests include small to medium business marketing analysis and strategy. Throughout her career she has developed a love for social media, web design and content marketing.
In her personal life, Amanda resides in southeast PA with her fiancé, Clint, and her German Shepherd, Marshall. In her free time, she enjoys riding, playing various sports, hiking and photography.