Project AURA is an initiative of the Center for Rural Health at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. Project AURA is responsible for developing and disseminating resources, training, and technical assistance that focuses on opioid and stimulant use in rural areas throughout Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Robust partnerships and collaborative approaches within Region 6 are essential to the success of Project AURA.

Advancing Unity in Rural America

Meet the team

Julie M. Croff,

PhD, MPH, FAAHB

Principal Investigator & Project Advisor

Emily McKenzie, PhD

Project Director

Ashleigh Chiaf, MPH

Project Manager

Susette Moyers, PhD

Research Scientist

Dallas DeAnne McCance, MPS

Community Liaison

Ty Gregson, MS, LMFT Candidate

Regional Program Specialist (OK)

Region 6 Partners


University of Arkansas Medical School


Meghan Breckling, PharmD, BCACP

Regional Program Specialist (AR)

Leah Tobey, PT, DPT, MBA 

Regional Program Specialist (AR)


University of New Mexico


Cassandra Boness, PhD 

Regional Program Specialist (NM)

Megan Kirouac, PhD 

Regional Program Specialist (NM)


University of Texas Health 


Adrienne Lindsey, MA, DBH  

Regional Program Specialist (TX)

Jennifer Sharpe Potter, PhD, MPH 

Regional Program Specialist (TX)

Julie Parish, MS, LCDC, CRC, PMP 

Regional Program Specialist (TX)


Tulane University


David Seal, PhD, FAAHB

Regional Program Specialist (LA)

George Singletary, MD

Regional Program Specialist (LA)