The Way Onward

04/06/2026

One of our certified facilitators said it best:

"Leadership has been the missing link."

She wasn't talking just for individuals in recovery, but across teams, organizations, and entire systems.

We've built programs. We've added services. We've strengthened compliance. And yet, sustainable change — the real, long-lasting change — can still feel just out of reach.

💡So what if the next right step isn't more programs... what if it's building more leaders?

⭐ Leaders who help individuals lead themselves through uncertainty, not just follow a treatment plan.

⭐ Leaders who strengthen their teams' capacity, not just increase their workloads.

⭐ Leaders who expand recovery capital for everyone, including the peer workforce, in ways that actually stick.

That's the conversation we're opening up in this free webinar. If you're curious about leadership skills in recovery, and have ideas to add, we'd love for you to join this interactive discussion.

The link will be emailed 24 hours ahead of time. Make sure you're on the attendee list by signing up at https://thewayonward.com/training/reimagining-recovery, and we look forward to seeing you on the 21st!

03/28/2026

Some messages stay with you.

At Missouri Association of Treatment Court Professionals Conference, Sean Astin closed out the event with a quote from Lord of the Rings to remind a room full of treatment court professionals what this work is really about.

In the middle of complexity, challenge, and systems that don’t always make sense… there is still good in this world.

Keep leading. It matters more than you know. 💛

03/20/2026

Get ready for the Missouri Association of Treatment Court Professionals Conference with us!

Our website just got a spring refresh — nothing flashy (you know that’s not our style). It's a thoughtful update to better share who we are, what we do, and what it means when you become part of our growing Certified Facilitator network.

Take a look around https://www.thewayonward.com and let us know what you think.

While you’re there, click on "Events" and don’t miss your chance to register for our FREE webinar, Reimagining Recovery, on April 21.

We can’t wait to connect with you at MATCP!

03/15/2026

Have you registered for the Missouri Association of Treatment Court Professionals Conference in Branson?

The Way Onward is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of this year's MATCP Conference and we'd love to see you — there's still time to sign up!

Founder and author Angie Chaplin will be presenting “From Compliance to Commitment: Personal Leadership Practices That Support Lasting Recovery.”

If you’re attending the conference, be sure to stop by The Way Onward's booth to connect and learn how leadership practices can strengthen recovery, accountability, and workforce resilience.

We look forward to seeing you in Branson!

01/27/2026

We are thrilled to be a sponsor for this incredible conference! Check out their speaker line-up… !!!

MATCP'S BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

We are thrilled to announce that Sean Astin will be our closing speaker at the 28th Annual MATCP Conference!

Sean Astin’s powerful message of perseverance, service, and purpose will be an inspiring way to close out an incredible conference focused on hope, recovery, and second chances. You won’t want to miss this unforgettable session.

Join us in Branson March 27th at 10:30 AM and be part of an experience that motivates and recharges the important work we do every day.

Register today! https://www.motreatmentcourts.org/matcp-conference/

12/12/2025

The true success of The Way Onward’s Navigator Training at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden wasn’t the setting or the milestone — it was the leaders in the room.

For two days, participants showed up with openness, wisdom shaped by lived experience, and a deep commitment to learning, applying, and implementing The Leadership Challenge® Self Empowered™ alongside the pillars of recovery. The conversations were thoughtful, the engagement was real, and the leadership was tangible.

None of The Way Onward’s momentum this year — including our growth beyond Iowa — would be possible without learners and leaders willing to invest in themselves and one another. We are deeply grateful to this cohort for what you shared, questioned, and co-created.

Thank you as well to Northwest Health Services, Waunakee Community Cares Coalition, and Survive & Thrive 8791 for investing in professional development and supporting leaders who are doing this work on the ground, every day.

Stay tuned for The Way Onward's facilitator training events to come in 2026. Sign up for our newsletter at https://www.thewayonward.com to be sure you receive our latest news and announcements.

12/03/2025

Are you in?

Next week's train-the-trainer with The Way Onward combines certification as a facilitator for The Leadership Challenge® Self Empowered™ with the context of behavioral health.

Join leaders from Northwest Health Services and Survive & Thrive 8791 the Podcast to learn new ways to engage with the individuals you serve, and create an additional revenue stream (if you choose) for you / your organization as a trained facilitator for The Leadership Challenge® Self Empowered™.

Seasonal Bonus! All participants receive FREE entry to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden's Conservatory — a warm, peaceful space to recharge during lunch and breaks.

If developing leaders is part of your mission, this evidence-based training is the one to close out your year strong. Secure your spot TODAY at https://thewayonward.com/events/ — final seats are limited.

11/25/2025

The Way Onward believes gratitude is more than a feeling — it’s a daily practice that helps us Encourage the Heart and stay connected to what matters most.

Every day, we see how intentional gratitude strengthens healing, deepens resilience, and reminds us that hope is activated when we name the good in ourselves and others.

This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for the Navigators, partners, community leaders, and courageous individuals who walk this path with us. Your commitment, compassion, and resilience make the journey onward possible — and we’re just getting started.

From all of us at The Way Onward, we wish you a warm, meaningful, gratitude-filled Thanksgiving. 🧡🍁

11/04/2025

Born from lived experience and designed for behavioral health and recovery professionals, The Way Onward Navigator Training bridges evidence-based leadership practices with mindful recovery principles. Strengthen your confidence, connection, and capacity to lead from within.

📍 Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Des Moines, Iowa
📅 Dec. 10-11
🔗 Register today at https://thewayonward.com/training/the-way-onward-certified-practitioner-training-2

11/04/2025

We are proud to support the work of Iowa's behavioral healthcare providers as a sponsor of Iowa Primary Care Association's Community Health Conference. Stop by our booth for the fuel you need to feel empowered for a journey of learning and leading!

10/29/2025

Grateful for the support of Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa in sponsoring participants from UnityPoint Health Black Hawk Grundy Mental Health Center and Pathways Behavioral Services to attend The Way Onward Navigator Training.

Special thanks to Tom Eachus, Vicki Mueller, Kate Moreland, and John Fraser for championing self-empowered leadership and expanding access to evidence-based tools for resilience, recovery, and growth.

Together, we’re strengthening individuals, organizations, and communities through person-centered leadership that connects values with vision for a healthier way of life.

10/27/2025

“Exemplary leadership is a pathway to recovery.” 💙

These words from The Leadership Challenge authors Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, in their Foreword to The Way Onward Navigator Guidebook, are both meaningful and reflective.

They beautifully capture the mission behind The Way Onward — that leadership and recovery are not separate journeys, but shared pathways of courage, self-discovery, and healing.

Whether you lead a team, a family, or yourself, remember: the way onward always begins within. 🌿