Biography
Desiray Belcher
1990
I am a millennial born and raised in 1990 in a small town known as Phelps Kentucky. The youngest of five with two brothers and two sisters. My youngest sister has down syndrome fueling my empathy and inspires me to help others. Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains, I enjoyed riding ATVs in the backwoods, camping, and playing video games. As a teenager, and young adult I quickly became aware of the harsh reality of drug and alcohol addiction within my hometown. A year after graduating with little career options I started working underground.
2010
Graduated from Phelps High school.
2011-2013
Began working underground as a ventilation and back-up scoop operator. After two years I had gained many personal insights to how opioid addiction effects coal miners as 75% of the workforce was either using or have been dependent on certain substances
2016-2017
Began working for Appalachian Security Services
2023-2024
Completed my associate's degree for Community Health Services and Behavioral Science