Kierstyn Gallegos is based in San Antonio and serves as Project Coordinator at the Be Well Institute on Substance Use and Related Disorders. In this role, Kierstyn connects with communities by facilitating ECHO sessions, a telementoring model that fosters shared learning between community organizations and subject matter experts. She also collaborates with partners to provide recovery science resources to the Collaboratory, ensuring evidence-based insights support those working in recovery.

Kierstyn is particularly proud of her recent publication in a peer-reviewed journal, which detailed the development of a sham application used in a clinical trial evaluating new treatments. She recently partnered with Unity Recovery to launch a Recovery Community Organization in San Antonio’s lower southeast side, expanding community-led support for individuals in recovery.

Deeply committed to social justice reform, Kierstyn’s leadership is focused on challenging systemic inequities in education, healthcare, and economics. She draws strength and inspiration from a quote that reminds her of the courage required to disrupt the status quo: “There will be people who say to you, ‘You are out of your lane.’ They are burdened by only having the capacity to see what has always been instead of what can be. But don’t you let that burden you.” This message affirms that her unique background is not a limitation but a valuable perspective that strengthens her leadership.