Recovery Innovations

Recovery Services Administrator
Recovery Innovations of Arizona

I remember when I was young someone told me that they believed I could do anything that I wanted to do in life, but I should make sure that it involved working with children. I do love working with children, oftentimes they are fearless, dream big and see the possibilities; although some have had life experiences that have made them afraid to dream or unable to see their potential.Perhaps it is because I can relate to the latter that I am drawn to working with youth, to share that hope with them that they too can create a future full of possibilities and joy.

I am originally from Massachusetts.Growing up I have had various experiences that I would rather forget and in response, made choices that led me places I did not want to be. I remember at times thinking “this is not who I am or who I am meant to be”, but not having the strength or belief in myself to make the changes I needed to make. Then I was given an amazing gift; my daughter. From the moment she came to be, I knew that I needed to make changes to give her the life she deserved.  Eventually throughout my journey of recovery, I realized that I deserved it as well.  When I heard Recovery Innovations definition of recovery I connected to it immediately; “remembering who you are and using your strengths to become all you were meant to be”.

I obtained my Bachelors and Masters degrees from Suffolk University in Boston. While completing my graduate studies I assisted Professors with research projects, taught undergraduate classes, and was an intern for the adult and juvenile probation departments.  Upon graduating, I worked for a company that provided substance abuse and prevention services within the Department of Correction. I began with a new contract facilitating release preparation workshops and providing reintegration services at several state facilities.  During my employ, I held various positions and ended up overseeing several residential substance abuse programs and the release preparation services for the state in 23 facilities.  In my spare time I volunteered at my church as a youth leader, teacher and in various roles working with children and leadership development. 

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to combine my employment with my passion for working with youth when the opportunity came up to move to Arizona to run a residential program for adolescents with substance abuse challenges in Phoenix. Due to changes in our economy I found myself seeking a new career path and it was at that time that I found Recovery Innovations. 

I started working for Recovery Innovations in April 2008 as the Recovery Services Administrator with a new contract providing peer and family services in northern Arizona. I am honored to be a part of “creating opportunities and environments that empower people to recover” as our mission statement says. I am constantly inspired by the families and adults that we partner with and their willingness to let our team walk with them on their recovery journey.  To provide services that empower and offer the hope and evidence that recovery is indeed possible is an amazing gift.