Board Members
Reuben Hyder – President
Reuben Hyder is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) with a Justice Involvement Endorsement (CPRS‑J), a Recovery Coach trained through the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR), and a candidate for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) certification. His work is rooted in nearly two decades of lived experience with substance use disorder and justice involvement across multiple states and counties.
Having personally experienced the powerlessness of addiction and the transformative impact of a spiritual awakening, Reuben brings authenticity, empathy, and credibility to every person he serves. His recovery journey was shaped by access to community‑based resources, including the Day Reporting Center (DRC) and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), where he graduated after receiving support as a justice‑involved individual.
Today, Reuben is committed to ensuring others have the same opportunities. He specializes in supporting incarcerated individuals by connecting them to recovery support services, reentry resources, and pathways to long‑term stability. His work centers on dignity, hope, and the belief that recovery is possible for everyone—especially those society often overlooks.
Teresa Taylor
Teresa brings business and accounting standards to The Wilderness to support the team in establishing the resources and processes needed to be successful in assisting the needs of those living with SUDs in Unicoi County. Teresa has managed finances for small businesses with annual revenues of $1 million to 9 million dollars, investment and endowments funds over $3 million dollars, managed payroll for up to 200 employees, and established processes and procedures for streamlining business functions. Her experience in managing non-profit finances include establishing online receipt of donations, donor statement creation and disbursement, tracking of designated funds, monthly and annual financial reporting, and assisting with pledge drives and fundraisers.
Teresa is the Director of Finance for a local private company in Piney Flats, TN as well as a movement and wellness teacher through online classes. She is passionate in helping people find comfort in their own bodies.
Jesse Taylor
Jesse has worked and volunteered in the recovery community for about 7 years. After watching how drugs and alcohol negatively impacted his community, he answered the call to affect change in this area.
Jesse is a small business owner only working with people trying to better their lives. Jesse says his beautiful wife and three children are his reason for smiling and he holds the belief that with God, fellowship, and strong dedication to each other we can better our lives and the lives of those in our community.