National Park College (NPC) participated in the Save AR Students campaign, which brings
awareness to college students about substance misuse and prevention. NPC welcomed
Kyle Brewer and Anthony Tidwell to speak on the lifelong effects of drugs and alcohol.
Brewer is a Peer Specialist Program Manager for the National Association for Alcoholism
and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). He oversees the development and implementation
of a three-tier credentialing process.
While battling with his own addictions, Brewer earned a Bachelor of Science degree
in Addiction Studies from the University of Central Arkansas. He noted that he was
so delusional about his own addictions that he never connected his studies to his
own life and behaviors. With the support the Nehemiah House, Brewer was able to find
the path to recovery.
Brewer became the first Peer Recovery Specialist at the University of Arkansas for
Medical Services and other hospitals statewide. He also received one of the first
10 certifications in Arkansas for Certified Peer Support Supervisor. He uses his experiences
and certifications to mentor those around him and to train others in Peer Support,
Peer Supervision and Family Opioid Response Narcan Training.
In 2021, Brewer was recognized with the Arkansas Peer Leadership Award for his leadership
and impact on his peers.
Anthony Tidwell is a Hot Springs native with a Bachelor of Arts degree in general
studies and a minor in Early Childhood Education from Arkansas Tech University. He
also holds certification as a mental health paraprofessional.
Tidwell has worked with Birch Tree Communities, a community mental health service
and as the assistant basketball coach at Morrilton High School.
Through his life experiences, Tidwell created Cutwell 4 Kids, which is a nonprofit
whose mission is to provide healthy alternatives and prevention of unhealthy behaviors.
View the full photo album.
