Recovery Innovations

Regional VP

I came to Recovery Innovations, then META Services, in September 2000 with an extensive social work history of nearly 20 years. My endeavors include working with children diagnosed with cancer and their families and working with children who have been physically, sexually or emotionally abused and their families. I participated in the start up of a private elementary school in Phoenix where I taught second and third grades and acted as the first assistant principal. I have extensive knowledge of human behavior and development, psychiatric disabilities, the trauma associated with the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness, research, program development, and working to give a voice to under-served populations.

I worked in print, runway and commercial modeling as well as television production for twenty-two years before becoming a social worker. I bring a unique gift with me to Recovery Innovations, the first hand experience of serious mental illness. My knowledge and kind gentle heart take the traumatic experiences of my life and turn them into a gift. I use this unique perspective to help others with a diagnosis and my professional peers understand the devastating effects of mental illness and the fact that recovery is real!

I am a member of The National Association of Social Workers, The Islamic Social Service Association of the United States and Canada, The United States Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation.

I have two grown daughters and a wonderful husband. My family life is nothing less than a wonderful adventure. My daughters are the sunshine in my life and my husband has been my rock through hard times. His love, support and belief in me has given me the courage and opportunity to do my work and I have the best job in the world!

Working with Recovery Innovations has given me the opportunity to further develop my skills as a social worker, participate in community education regarding mental illness and recovery, and use my public speaking abilities to engage in prompting social change regarding the stigma of psychiatric symptoms. I am currently Regional Vice President working in California and New Zealand. Since moving to San Diego in February 2007 to start our first California services, we have expanded our Peer Support services to include multiple wellness services in San Diego County, Ventura County and New Zealand. Kia Oro! Starting up and providing recovery service programs is my passion at work. Peer Support works! It gives people hope and the tools they need to make a strong and lasting recovery! I intend to bring hope with me wherever I go and in whatever I do. Sand Diego County Adult and Older Adult Mental Health Services Administration also fund Recovery Innovations, California to put on the Wellness and Recovery Summit every year; bringing hope to 500 people who receive mental health services and their clinical teams and supporters. We hope to see Wellness and Recovery Summits across the United States and New Zealand.

I have written four (4) books, multiple articles and provide trainings to organization who want to increase their recovery knowledge.

It is my opinion that life and recovery are enhanced by giving back and the giving that comes from one who has walked the same path increases the receivers ability to view themselves as capable of recovery. Recovery Innovations is involved in ground breaking social change and is bringing recovery to a vast number of wonderful, creative and individuals.

“It is an honor to be part of this important work!”