Board of Directors, Face the Facts Delaware

Penny Roger - Co Founder & Executive Director

Profession: Director of Culture & Community Impact, Freedom Dental Health System

I'm a lifelong resident of Delaware. I have two children. Gabriella and Vincent. Gabriella is in recovery and Vincent passed away in 2017 from an overdose. Since that time I have gone on to be the Co-Founder of Face the Facts Delaware and Overdose Awareness Day. This organization is a grassroots movement that I believe affects real change.

Quote: Living life to its fullest in ordinary ways is the best way to make life extraordinary. - Alex Tyree

What unique do you bring to Face the Facts?: I would like to believe that I bring hope that while an addict is breathing, there's a chance they're going to find the gift of recovery and embrace it. I bring hope that by example I've shown that after the loss of a child which is just immeasurable that life does go on. You can do beautiful things in memory of the person that you have lost. After I lost my son. I saw something that said Great grief comes from great love.

Deborah A. Deal - Founding Member & Secretary

Profession: I have my own cleaning business, I am a nanny, and a property manager.

I lost my middle sister, Kim, to an overdose in 2020 previous to that I lost three nephews to SUD. It was always a family secret about their addiction and I am now trying to make it an open topic of discussion.

I am a dog lover, I foster for local rescues and I have a soft spot for those that are overlooked.

Quote: People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou

Becky Eppig - Founding Member & Treasurer

Profession: Regional Sales Representative, Action Unlimited Resources

Delaware native, advocate for recovery and addiction treatment services. I've been affected by addiction since my first breath; I come from a large family, and my only older cousin suffered with addiction until his last overdose in December of 2011. Many of the struggles we faced then getting him into treatment and services, our state still faces today. I am a firm believer in second chances, a person should not be judged by their worst mistake. What makes us 'different' is also what makes us uniquely individual. Define us by our character, but allow us the opportunity to grow when we should falter. I believe that every life has value, and there is hope beyond the hopeless - we must provide it to all who can't see it for themselves.

Quote: Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall. - Confucius

What unique do you bring to Face the Facts?: Without lived experience, or the loss of a child - I bring a perspective of what 'collateral damage' can happen to those who are closest to the person in active addiction or recovery. I was taught from a very young age to give back and I know my life wouldn't be how it is today without all those who gave me things my parents could not; so I reach back and help with any time or talent I may be able to lend.

John Dillon

Profession: Operations Director, Community Collaboration of Delaware

With his extensive experience in operational management, John ensures the smooth functioning of Community Collaboration of Delaware. His keen eye for detail, exceptional organizational skills, and strategic mindset drive our operational efficiency, enabling us to make a lasting impact in our communities. John's dedication to our mission and his commitment to excellence make him an invaluable member of our team.

Quote: Be the change that you want to see in the world. - Ghandi

Theresa Rann

Profession: Employability Coach, Delaware State University

I am a proud mother, grandmother, and passionate advocate for my community, dedicated to supporting individuals living with Substance Use Disorder and the families who stand beside them. I serve on the Greater Philadelphia Regional Advisory Board, the HR Committee, and the Wilmington Family Support Group for Caron Treatment Centers. I am currently completing my Master of Public Administration at Delaware State University. In addition, I have served on the Overdose Awareness Day Delaware Committee with Face the Facts DE and am the founder of Serenity Stones for Stephanie.

Favorite Quote: “ I do not at all understand the mystery of grace, only that it meets us where we are but does not leave

us where it found us.” -Anne Lamott

What unique perspective do I bring to the board?

While I share the deep grief that so many parents in Delaware carry after losing a child to Substance Use Disorder, my story is not one of loss from overdose. Stephanie relapsed in 2018 and was murdered. At

the time, I sensed that she was struggling, yet I was confident she was finding her way back to recovery. Little did I know how little I knew about Substance Use Disorder until this happened to my family.

Babita Jagnanan

Profession: Owner/Operator, Phoenix Used Clothing Corp

Babita is a dedicated professional known for her expertise in textile recovery, community engagement and social responsibility, working extensively to support underserved populations. With a strong background in nonprofit partnerships, she actively drives initiatives that align resources with community needs, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency. Passionate about making a difference, Babita combines strategic insight with compassion to build impactful collaborations.

Quote: Be the change you want to see in the world. - Mahatma Gandhi

What unique do you bring to Face the Facts?: Leveraging my expertise to align resources and programs effectively with community needs for lasting impact.

Anita Fellenbaum

Professional: Registered Nurse with over 25 years experience. I currently work for the State of DE.
As someone who has personally experienced addiction and loss,
my goal is to help educate the community both young and old on the stigma that is addiction.

Quote: Expecting things to change without putting in any effort is like waiting for a ship at the airport.

My hope is to add to Face the Facts mission with my experience and knowledge and help reduce this stigma and provide potential resources to the community.

Face the Facts Delaware

Face the Facts Delaware