Lauren Kestner is the Harm Reduction Program Manager and Prevention Specialist at Center for Prevention Services located in Charlotte, NC. It is at this agency that she oversees the Queen City Needle Exchange Program, leads the Charlotte Regional Harm Reduction Coalition, and provides resiliency focused programs for youth. Originally from New Jersey, she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York City and is currently pursuing certification as a Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant. Through her involvement with grassroots advocacy she founded a nonprofit, R Creative Collective that partners with allies throughout the community and offers workshops centered on creative expression to participants. With partners and volunteers from collaborative organizations she strives to create space where individuals can find refuge, healing, and connection. She is a mother first and is dedicated to bringing creative and practical solutions that promote the health and wellness of the people we love and serve.