Dr. Blaine Norris
The inspiration of Blaine’s Center
When Eric and Andrea first approached me with the vision for this center, I asked for time to pray on it. After careful reflection, I gave them my blessing. Though I am serving a life sentence, I have dedicated my time in prison to bettering myself and those around me. I have provided peer support to thousands of men and helped many turn their lives around.
My journey began with childhood abuse that, combined with genetics, led to lifelong mental health struggles. Untreated, I self-medicated with drugs and alcohol. In 2003, I was arrested for murder and received a life sentence. I cannot change the past, but I can atone for it through service.
In prison, I turned to Christ and pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Biblical Studies, along with a Master of Ministry and Master of Divinity. Today, I continue working on a new program for Blaine’s Center that we hope to launch soon.
Eric Johnson
Founder; D & A Services Director
My path to helping others began through the SMART Recovery program, which transformed my own life. Since 2015, I have facilitated meetings and supported individuals in recovery. After more than 20 years of substance use and crime — including over 7 years incarcerated — I have been in sustained recovery since 2015.
Since November 2021, I have worked in Baltimore, MD as a Group Facilitator. Working in a major city with intense addiction, crime, and big-city challenges has sharpened my clinical skills and given me deep insight into what programs and approaches truly work. I obtained my ADT (Alcohol and Drug Trainee) certification in Maryland and am currently pursuing the equivalent ADC (Alcohol and Drug Counselor) certification in Pennsylvania.
My experiences navigating Pennsylvania’s justice system and real-world urban treatment settings inform the practical, effective support we plan to bring to Hanover.
Andrea M Sutton, MSAC, LCADC
Founder; Project Director
My involvement in this work stems from my own diagnosis of alcohol use disorder in 2012. What began as social drinking escalated until I faced a life-threatening crisis with a .40 BAC and organ failure. That moment forced me to change.
After getting sober in November 2012, I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2016 and my Master’s in 2019. In 2017, I moved from Arizona to Pennsylvania to work in the drug and alcohol field as a counselor. Since June 2021, I have been working in Baltimore, MD.
The intense addiction, crime, and big-city challenges in Baltimore have significantly honed my therapeutic skills. I obtained my LCADC (Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor) in Maryland and am currently pursuing the equivalent CAADC certification in Pennsylvania.
Since 2012, my life’s work has centered on supporting individuals and families affected by mental health challenges and substance use disorders. Through Blaine’s Center for Betterment, Eric and I are committed to bringing the most effective approaches we’ve learned from urban treatment settings to the Hanover community.