UC Recovery

05/25/2026

✨Meet Our Certified Peer Recovery Specialists!✨

Meet Anthony White, Smith County CPRS

Here’s a little Q&A to get to know Anthony better!

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from?
A: I have lived in Overton County for most of my life. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends especially if board games are involved. Just basically a big nerd.

Q: What was your path to the UC Recovery team?
A: I worked at Volunteer Behavioral Health as a CPRS for a few years. After a layoff there, I found myself working in a nursing home as a transport driver. I liked that job but I missed my work as a CPRS. When the position became open at UC Recovery I jumped at the chance.

Q: What inspired you to pursue this specific role?
A: I battled a lot of demons through my life, some battles of which are never ending, and I have received a lot of help in those battles. It has definitely inspired me to want to help others battle their demons as well.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you reach this milestone?
A: If I’m being honest, the list would be very long, and I would be scared that I would miss someone. But those people know who they are because I never let them forget how much they mean to me.

Q: What is your goal with this chapter?
A: I just want to walk along this journey with my clients and help as many of them as I can, however I can, to the best of my ability.

Thank you, Anthony, for your dedication and hard work. We’re grateful to have you on our team and truly appreciate all you do! 👏💙

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you’re not alone. Our UC Recovery Team is here to help. Call us at (931) 255-2238 or learn more about available resources at https://uchra.org/ucrecovery/

05/22/2026

Addiction isn’t always what people expect. It can show up in habits, behaviors, and anything that starts controlling your life. If you’re in that place, you’re not alone — and recovery is always worth the conversation.

05/20/2026

A couple of weeks ago, some of our team had the opportunity to attend the Clay County Recovery Walk at Hermitage Springs Park in Boiling Springs. It was a meaningful day spent supporting recovery and connecting with the community!💜

05/19/2026

05/18/2026

✨Meet Our Certified Peer Recovery Specialists!✨

Meet Alice Simpson, Clay County CPRS

Here’s a little Q&A to get to know Alice better!

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from?
A: I am from London, Kentucky.

Q: What was your path to the UC Recovery team?
A: After years of struggling with addiction and spending time in and out of jail, I eventually entered the Day Reporting Center program. That’s where I met incredible people who helped guide me toward recovery and a better life. A few years later, I completed my CPRS training and returned to the DRC hoping to volunteer and give back what had been given to me. That opportunity eventually led to a job interview. I’ve now been with UC Recovery for almost a month, and I truly believe this is where God has called me to be. I’m incredibly grateful for how far I’ve come.

Q: What inspired you to pursue this specific role?
A: During my recovery journey, having support from people who had experienced similar struggles gave me strength, hope, and encouragement. I wanted to be that same source of support for others.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you reach this milestone?
A: There have been so many wonderful people who have supported me throughout my recovery journey that it would be impossible to name them all. Most importantly, my faith and surrendering my life to God completely changed my path. I’m also incredibly thankful for my family, who never gave up on me, even when I gave them many reasons to. I truly feel blessed.

Q: What is your goal with this chapter?
A: My goal is to earn my LADAC certification and continue helping others who are facing the same struggles I once did. I want to help people build lives they can be proud of and find lasting peace and happiness.

Thank you, Alice, for your dedication and hard work. We’re grateful to have you on our team and truly appreciate all you do! 👏💙

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you’re not alone. Our UC Recovery Team is here to help. Call us at (931) 255-2238 or learn more about available resources at https://uchra.org/ucrecovery/

05/15/2026

Recovery is not something anyone should have to face alone.

In rural communities where resources can be limited, collaboration means everything. It takes people coming together—organizations, providers, leaders, and community members—to make sure hope, support, and recovery reach those who need it most.

Here are some of our partners who stand beside UC Recovery along our journey, working hand in hand with us to support individuals and strengthen our communities. We are truly grateful for each partnership and every person who helps make this work possible.

Together, we are building stronger communities, supporting recovery, and reminding people that they are never alone on their journey. 🤝💙

05/13/2026

💊💙 UC Recovery was proud to be part of the DeKalb County Drug Take Back event, represented by CPRS James Gribble and Crystal Lawson.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside our community in promoting safe medication disposal, prevention, and recovery awareness. Every conversation, connection, and effort helps create a healthier and safer community for everyone.

Together, we continue spreading hope and supporting recovery where it matters most.

05/11/2026

✨Meet Our Certified Peer Recovery Specialists!✨

Meet Philip McGourty, Jackson County CPRS

Here’s a little Q&A to get to know Philip better!

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from?
A: I’m originally from New York and moved to Tennessee when I was 18.

Q: What was your path to the UC Recovery team?
A: My personal and professional experiences helped guide me to the UC Recovery team, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this work.

Q: What inspired you to pursue this specific role?
A: After focusing on my own mental health journey and working in the mental health and substance misuse fields, I felt called to support others on a peer level. Being able to connect with and support clients in meaningful ways has been incredibly rewarding.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you reach this milestone?
A: I’d like to thank Ryan Henry, Anthony White, and Tina Ledbetter for their support and encouragement along the way.

Q: What is your goal with this chapter?
A: My goal is to continue growing in this field by pursuing social work and expanding the ways I can support others in recovery.

Thank you, Philip, for your dedication and hard work. We’re grateful to have you on our team and truly appreciate all you do! 👏💙

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you’re not alone. Our UC Recovery Team is here to help. Call us at (931) 255-2238 or learn more about available resources at https://uchra.org/ucrecovery/

05/07/2026

🎙️ New Episode: UC Recovery Podcast

Ryan Henry sits down with Dr. David Reagan from One Tennessee for an important conversation about recovery, prevention, and building stronger communities across Tennessee.

This episode highlights the power of partnership, hope, and the work being done every day to support individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder. We’re grateful for leaders like Dr. Reagan who continue to advocate for recovery and positive change throughout our region.

🎧 Watch Now:

In this episode of the UC Recovery Podcast, Ryan Henry interviews Dr. David Reagan, former Chief Medical Officer for the Tennessee Department of Health and c...

05/06/2026

Every story of recovery is a story of strength, resilience, and hope. 💙

Behind every step forward is a person choosing change—and a community choosing to stand beside them. This message is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, and no one has to walk that journey alone.

We’re grateful for those who continue to uplift, support, and believe in brighter futures.

🎧 Be sure to tune in—our full podcast drops tomorrow!

05/04/2026

✨Meet Our Certified Peer Recovery Specialists!✨

Meet Tracye Ford, Cannon County CPRS

Here’s a little Q&A to get to know Tracye better!

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from?
A: I’m new to the UCHRA team. I’m a mom of three, and I’ll soon be a first-time grandma. I moved to Cookeville a year ago after living in Johnson City for 13 years, but I was born and raised in Michigan.

Q: What was your path to the UC Recovery team?
A: My path to UC Recovery comes from my own personal recovery journey. Through sober living and the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, I found recovery and discovered a passion for helping others who are struggling with addiction.

Q: What inspired you to pursue this specific role?
A: My own experience with addiction and recovery inspired me to help others see that recovery is possible and that there is a better way of life. If I can do it, anyone can.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you reach this milestone?
A: I’d like to thank Phillip for encouraging me and helping guide me to this opportunity, and Brittany and Pam for giving me the chance to join the UCHRA team.

Q: What is your goal with this chapter?
A: My goal is to continue learning, complete all the training I can, and provide the best support possible for my clients and their recovery journey.

Thank you, Tracye, for your dedication and hard work. We’re grateful to have you on our team and truly appreciate all you do! 👏💙

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you’re not alone. Our UC Recovery Team is here to help. Call us at (931) 255-2238 or learn more about available resources at https://uchra.org/ucrecovery/