Staff

Leah Oldham, MA
Regional Transition Navigator
leah.oldham@hsc.wvu.edu
Work Cell: 304-290-2528
Office: 304-293-4692

Leah Oldham is a doctoral candidate in Sociology at West Virginia University, where she also earned her Master’s degree in Sociology and a Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies. Her research interests include violence prevention, gender studies, identity development, and mental health. Leah brings extensive experience in grant writing and grant reviews, supporting organizations and initiatives focused on youth and community well-being. She has a deep knowledge of transitional living programs and mental health services, with a strong commitment to helping youth and young adults navigate complex systems in West Virginia, especially those facing challenges within the educational system. Currently, Leah is a peer recovery coach and is actively working toward her certification as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist in both Substance Use Disorders (PRSS-SUD) and Mental Health (PRSS-MH). Her work is grounded in advocacy, empowerment, and evidence-based support for individuals and communities.

Billy Bussey, RBA
Regional Transition Navigator
william.bussey1@hsc.wvu.edu
Work Cell: 304-290-2528

William “Billy” Bussey serves as a Regional Transition Navigator with RTNS, where he is dedicated to connecting youth and young adults across West Virginia to the appropriate service providers. Billy holds a Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) degree from Concord University and brings a wealth of experience in housing and youth support. From 2014 to 2019, he worked at Bartlett House Inc. as the Rapid Rehousing Lead and case manager, developing expertise in housing solutions and direct client support. His primary areas of focus include housing and youth support, and he is passionate about ensuring that young people have access to the resources they need to thrive. Billy’s commitment to service is reflected in his statewide work, where he leverages his experience and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and young adults throughout West Virginia.

Delbert Pope
Regional Transition Navigator
delbert.pope@hsc.wvu.edu
Work Cell: 304-288-3431

Delbert “Del” Pope brings over 30 years of experience in community non-profit work to his role with the Regional Transition Navigator Services (RTNS), where he primarily serves youth and young adults in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. With an A.A.S. in Business Administration from Valley College, Delbert previously spent a decade with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA-EP), supervising and training volunteers and collaborating closely with the Juvenile Abuse & Neglect Court system and a range of youth-serving agencies. At RTNS, he continues to work within the Juvenile Justice Court System in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties, supporting at-risk youth exiting foster care without permanency plans and providing empathetic care to those who are often overlooked. Drawing on his own lived experiences of adversity and resilience, Delbert is deeply committed to empowering youth and young adults to become self-sufficient and never takes the opportunity to serve for granted.

Kendal Stokes, MA
Regional Transition Navigator
kendal.stokes@hsc.wvu.edu
Work Cell: 304-290-2308

Kendal Stokes serves as the Regional Transition Navigator for Region 6 counties, including Raleigh and surrounding areas, and occasionally the Charleston area. With a Master of Arts in Corporate & Organizational Communication Studies (West Virginia University, 2025) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology (West Virginia University Institute of Technology, 2021), Kendal brings five years of experience working with West Virginia youth and young adults across educational and clinical mental health settings. Her expertise includes youth suicide prevention, counseling intake, and psychological assessment, with a focus on mental health, coping skills, education, and suicide prevention. Kendal is passionate about helping young people set and achieve their goals, providing individualized support, and connecting clients to resources as they navigate the transition to adulthood.

Nikki Vance, M. Ed.
Regional Transition Navigator
nikki.vance@hsc.wvu.edu
Work Cell: 304-785-7615

Nikki Vance, M.Ed., B.S., is a dedicated professional with over 10 years of experience specializing in substance use disorder and youth support. She holds a Master of Education from Lindsey Wilson College and a Bachelor of Science from Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. As a navigator with RTNS, Nikki provides essential services to youth and young adults facing serious emotional disturbances, mental illness, or substance use disorder, helping them develop independent living skills and overcome life’s barriers. Her expertise includes mental health, supporting youth in their transition from high school to college or career, job skills development, and independent or transitional housing.

Sam Wilkinson, MPA
Principal Investigator
samuel.wilkinson@hsc.wvu.edu
Work Cell: 304 290-8936
Office: 304-293-4278

Sam Wilkinson received a Master’s in Public Administration from West Virginia University. He has spent his professional life focused on identifying problems, planning solutions for them, and then executing those plans. He spent three years as a Teacher/Counselor and a Master Teacher/Counselor in a residential treatment facility. He spent twelve years as a project manager for the West Virginia University Research Corporation working on projects in Public Health, Nutrition/Obesity, and Computer Engineering. He has also experience with various aspects of sobriety/recovery.