THRIVE

THRIVE is the education program that was developed between Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Kentucky Adult Education and Frontier Behavioral Health. 

This integration of recovery and education represents a transformative approach to addressing substance abuse. This holistic model empowers people in recovery to pursue their educational goals, fostering personal growth. 

It breaks down the barriers that often isolate those in recovery, creating a supportive and nurturing environment. This synergy between education and addiction treatment not only aids in recovery but also equips individuals with the tools they need to rebuild their lives. 

We have served over 100 residents in the last 15 months. During this time, we have had 43 residents either enroll in college classes or has completed a short ­term certification program. 

We have also seen 15 students get their GED, along with certifications in Kentucky Essential Skills, Financial Literacy, and Digital Literacy.

Kentucky Career Center
Frontier Behavioral Adult Education Program
Team Kentucky Education
Kentucky Adult Education
Frontier Behavioral Vikki Boyata

Vikki Bonyata

Program Director

Vikki Dameron Bonyata has spent her entire career working with clients who have substance use and mental health disorders. She began in the counseling field in 1978 volunteering at a detox/sdi crisis unit while attending college.

Vikki was a high school dropout who received her GED in 1977. She continued her education and is a lifelong learner.  She went on to receive her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision in 2017 as well as a Med in Professional Counseling in 2007.

Vikki’s licenses include:

  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – Supervisor in Ky. Since 2010.
  • Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Ky. Since 20`6.
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Ky since 1992.
  • Certified Clinical Supervisor in Chemical Dependency  in Ky since 2021.
  • NAADAC National Certification for Clinical Services Supervision since 2022.
  • Nationally Certified Counselor through NBCC since 2007.
  • Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor through ICRC since 1993.

 

Vikki retired from the Kentucky Department of Corrections in 2018 where she served as a counselor in Community Corrections.

She has previously taught Substance Abuse, Mental Health, Criminal Justice, Sociology and Counseling Classes for Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Morehead State University and Lindsey Wilson College.

She has been employed as Program Director at Frontier Behavioral Health since 2020.

Frontier Behavioral Dr Christopher Bailey

Dr. Christopher Bailey

Medical Director

Dr. Christopher M. Bailey, a Board-Certified Physician in Addiction Medicine, and Family Medicine, serves as the Medical Director for Frontier Behavioral Health.

Based in Eastern Kentucky, Dr. Bailey practices both addiction medicine and family medicine.

His educational journey began at Prestonsburg High School, followed by graduation from Alice Lloyd College.

He was part of the inaugural graduation class at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Pikeville.

Throughout his career, Dr. Bailey has remained dedicated to improving patient outcomes by providing compassionate and essential care.

Randy Hunter Frontier Behavioral Health

Randy Hunter

CEO