Our Staff
Founder and CEO
Year started at HOPE: 1996
Why I am at HOPE : Quite simply, the people we serve – the recovery community – are my life’s work, passion and calling. It is an honor for me to be a part of another’s recovery journey, to witness someone who comes to us broken become whole, restored, and fulfilling their true purpose. Community and connection are the healing agents of the recovery process, and there is an art to creating healthy environments. I am privileged to lead such a talented, passionate team who work tirelessly to provide the highest quality care and community to the individuals and families we serve.
Experience: I began working in behavioral health in 1987, and hold licensure in social work and addictions, as well as certification in addictions counseling, supervision, and medication assisted treatment. I have extensive experience working in family systems and have always worked in recovery residences at various levels since the onset of my career. In 2011 I helped to form the National Alliance for Recovery Residences, an organization that promotes and promulgates ethics and standards for residential communities. I am presently the Standards chair for NARR, and do a fair amount of writing, mentoring and teaching on ethics, standards and best practices for recovery residences.
Favorite parts of the job: Collaboration of any kind – with our residents, families, staff team or referral sources. I am a ‘people person’ and thrive on connecting with others. I especially value growth, and love encouraging others in their goals.
Goals for this year: Spread the good news about all that we offer at HOPE Recovery. Personally, I hope to complete an ultra-marathon (30 miles or higher!).
In my free time: I enjoy time with family and friends, running, music, movies, travel, cooking and reading.
My ‘Why’: When I was younger my career focused more on me, and how I could better myself. Then eventually how I could better my family. As I got older my desire to shift that focus from me to how I could help others better themselves became strong. HOPE has given me the opportunity to fulfill that. After seeing first-hand within my own family, the devastating effects of addiction I knew this was the place for me to make a difference. It is an honor to watch people grow in their recovery and learn beside some of the greatest people I’ve ever had the chance to work with.
Experience: I come from a background in human resources, office management, and customer service. I believe all these things help me to contribute to the staff and residents here at HOPE. I handle all the day-to-day operations here in the office. I also handle all invoicing, accounts payable and receivable. Chances are, if you need something, I’m the person you are looking for.
Favorite parts of the job: I love speaking to families and sharing what we do. I get to see firsthand every step of our residents’ journey, from the first phone call to graduation.
Goals for this year: Taking a little more self-care time.
In my free time: Spending time with my family, watching documentaries and the beach.
Year started at HOPE: 2016
Experience: Before my time at HOPE Recovery, I worked with the children of parents who have mental health or substance use disorder. Being able to see addiction/ mental health struggles from the side of a family member gives me a unique perspective in the way I do my job now. Once I came to HOPE Recovery, I worked closely under the supervision of our licensed therapist and am continuing to take classes on mental health and substance use disorder.
Why do I work at HOPE: My why is very simple. I’m a big fan of second chances, sometimes third or fourth chances, too. I strongly believe that recovery is for everyone. To be able to be a part of any of our women’s journey is a privilege. I had great mentors along the way who provided me the tools I needed to get back on my feet and be a productive member of society.
Being able to play a small role in someone else becoming a better woman, friend, spouse, and/or mother is gratifying beyond words.
My favorite part of the job: My favorite part of being a counselor at HOPE is leading Monday night groups. Monday nights are when we gather for all recovery meeting and community meetings. It’s a night where we get to share with each other our triumphs and our challenges in a family setting. I love being a part of facilitating the women supporting and cheering each other on.
Goals for this year: I would like to have received my CSAC certification. I would like to grow our HOPE alumni group here in Charlotte. Lastly, I would like to become more involved with volunteering with the law enforcement who handle mental health crisis.
Free time: In my free time, I love playing with my almost two year old! We do everything together from making homemade pretzels, to buying things we don’t need at Target, to running out her endless supply of energy at the park. I also love thrift shopping, baking, and lifetime movies.
