05/30/2025
We are excited to announce Sandy Lorden as one of the panelist for our Recovery Panel at the One-Year Celebration! - SMART Recovery Oak Cliff!
"Hi, I am Sandy. I am a dedicated and passionate addiction professional with a strong background in substance use counseling and clinical management. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Tarleton State University. My work is centered around building relationships with local resources to ensure comprehensive care for the clients I serve in my community.
Recovery is my passion, and I take a hands-on approach to life. I am actively involved in strengthening my community by volunteering with various organizations. One of my most rewarding experiences has been teaching a recovery class to incarcerated women in the Reentry Program at Tarrant County Jail.
I am also an active member of NAADAC (National Association for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors) and TAAP (Texas Association of Addiction Professionals), where I proudly serve on the board for the Fort Worth Chapter of TAAP. Through these organizations, I advocate for addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services on a local, state, and national level, frequently visiting legislators in Austin and Washington, D.C., to advance the field for addiction professionals.
My dedication to this work has been recognized through awards such as the Fort Worth TAAP Counselor of the Year, Professional of the Year, and the SAMHSA MFP Fellow of the Month. I am committed to making a lasting impact in the field of addiction treatment and recovery, ensuring individuals have the support and resources they need to heal and thrive.
I love spending my days with my two children, making memories together. You can often find me working in my garden, what I like to call 'dirt therapy.' I also enjoy being outdoors and attending live music events and festivals."