Team

Joseph R. Turner, JD, is the co-founder and current President/CEO of Exponents, Inc., in New York City. Exponents is the first known harm reduction substance use treatment program, beginning in 1988. Exponents is founded on the principles of ‘engagement, community and advocacy’. Abstinence is not required for admission, participation or completion of any of Exponents programs – with over 10, 800 NYC substance users completing their programs. Mr. Turner was born and raised in Brooklyn’s Brownsville, embracing his path through the streets, drugs, prison, treatment, wellness and activism. As an attorney, Mr. Turner has worked for Harlem Legal Services, National Conference of Black Lawyers and had a private practice that focused on the representation of political prisoners, criminal defense and community development. He has previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Harlem United, Executive Director of the Fountain Avenue Community Development Corporation and and former Chairman of the Board of Friends of Recovery – New York (FOR-NY). He has provided consultant services to various social justice organizations. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Exodus Transitional Services and current co-chair of the OASAS Recovery Implementation Team. Mr. Turner’s recovery and activism is anchored and maintained upon the same harm reduction principles of Exponents – “meeting folks where they are…but not leaving them there”.

Samantha has been with agency for over fifteen years first as Director of Development & Contracts then Director of Quality Assurance and Chief Administrative Officer. Prior to coming to Exponents Ms. Lopez-Fernandez, a graduate of New York University, was at HIV Care Services, a program of Public Health Solutions, where she managed a portfolio of over 30 Ryan White Title I contracts. She began working in the non-profit sector as Asst. Director, Program Development for Elmhurst Hospital Center shortly after college graduation. Ms. Lopez-Fernandez has also served on the Community Advisory Boards of two MHRA projects, FITA and HIV CARE services.

Regina Edwards came to Exponents 12 years ago as the Director of Finance with extensive nonprofit financial experience. She earned her degree in Accounting from Lehman College, Bronx NY, and has worked in the not for profit sector for over 23 years. Ms. Edwards served 6 years as Board Treasurer for the HIV Law Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing legal representation and advocacy for low income people with HIV/AIDS.

Howard Josepher, LCSW, is the co-founder and Chief Clinical Officer of Exponents. He has been in the substance abuse treatment field for more than forty-five years and has been a pioneer in the development and implementation of both therapeutic community and harm reduction programs. At Exponents, Mr. Josepher has created and implemented evidenced based, peer-driven programs addressing drug addiction and other chronic health conditions. Mr. Josepher helped pioneer low-threshold, harm reduction services at the height of the AIDS epidemic and continues to advocate for compassionate, non-punitive substance abuse services.

Mr. Josepher has served as President of Exponents from 1988-2018, on the NYC DoHMH, Mental Hygiene Advisory Council, is a past chairman of the Substance Abuse Committee of the city’s HIV Prevention Planning Group and is currently a member of the NYS, OASAS Recovery Implementation Team. He is a past recipient of the National Association of Social Workers’ Diego Lopez Award for his work with people living with HIV/AIDS. Mr. Josepher is a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a recovering person, having overcome his own addiction to drugs many years ago.