There are so many women supporting recovery who have devoted their lives to helping others.
Sometimes they are visible, but often they are behind the scenes.
Here are three dedicated women, each with their own unique story who are making our world a better place!
I have had the privilege to facilitate and be witness to an incredible and profound change in the lives of those suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction and their families.
Kristina Wandzilak
Executive Director and the founder of Full Circle Intervention, Kristina is a nationally recognized Interventionist, presenter, and author. She has worked in the field of chemical dependency since 1994. Kristina is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CASII), and Board Registered Interventionist (BRI II). She has been the host and is also an expert on TLC’s Addicted.
In 2006 Kristina and her mother, Constance Curry published a memoir The Lost Years: Surviving a Mother and Daughter’s Worst Nightmare. The book was co-authored with her mother Constance Curry. It chronicles their parallel journeys into the life they both enjoy today.
Kristina grew up in an affluent Bay area neighborhood and had her first drink at age 13. At age 15, she began a severe addiction to methamphetamines and other drugs. Her parents tried everything to help, contain, and save her. They put her in three different treatment centers.
When Kristina was 18, she left the last center early. Her mother decided to let her daughter go. She told Kristina, “You are not welcome in my home or life until you are living a life of recovery. If I never see you alive again, please know how much you are loved.”
At this point, Kristina descended into the depths of despair. She ended up on the streets, turning to prostitution, burglarizing homes, and digging in dumpsters to pay for her drug habit. After nearly dying on the floor of a homeless shelter, Kristina finally decided to change her life at age 21. She completed six months of treatment in Northern California.
Now, Kristina has celebrated 26 years of sobriety. She has committed her life to helping others struggling with addiction. Kristina founded Full Circle Intervention.
Respectful systemic intervention is what she wants to bring to families in crisis.
Velvet Mangan
Velvet is the founder of Safe Harbor Treatment Center for Women. The center is located in Costa Mesa, CA. The late Christopher Kennedy Lawford featured Velvet in his book, Moments of Clarity. She has also appeared on the Dr. Phil Show.
Here is Velvet’s story:
“For over 23 years, it has been my passion to help women find peace and healing from the addictions that can take over their lives. As a recovered alcoholic woman myself, I deeply understand the heartache and hopelessness that comes with addiction.”
“It is from this understanding that I created Safe Harbor, a place where women can come and learn how to regain their lives and support each other in a unique and encouraging environment.”
“I developed Safe Harbor because there was a need for a special place for women to recover; a place that was not available to me as I started my own personal journey towards recovery and sobriety.”
“Every day, I remember every person that has come into my life, has held out that hand to get me where I am today. And I think of the miracle of God and the grace of God. I know that when I do spend that quality time when I do keep up my relationship with my higher power, I am so awake to the world. And I just want to be awake for all of it, even the scary moments of it. I just want to be awake.”
The Law of Sobriety says that if you do what you are afraid to do because you know it’s good for you, positive results will follow.
Sherry Gaba
Sherry is a psychotherapist and life coach. She specializes in individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy. Sherry maintains a private practice in southern California and is the author of The Law of Sobriety: Attracting Positive Energy for a Powerful Recovery.
Sherry has twenty plus years of experience as a clinician. She is a graduate of USC specializing in addictions, eating disorders, parenting, single parenting, divorce, and life coaching. Sherry is currently serving as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients.
Also, she is a consultant for several high profile Malibu Rehab. Centers and has worked with many celebrities in her career.
Sherry has presented at National conferences and to general audiences on many topics.
Sherry Gaba is a practical, interactive, solution-focused therapist. Her treatment approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns.
She incorporates a blend of conventional and alternatives approaches. Sherry draws upon a variety of styles and techniques to incorporate what will be most helpful for each client. With sensitivity and compassion, she works with each client to help them build on their strengths to identify and achieve life goals.
These are just three of the amazing women who are making a difference in the recovery world!
What other women are doing amazing things to support recovery? Share your thoughts in comments.
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Thank you for being there for your child when they need you the most! XO, Cathy
These women help show us that hope exists and there’s always second chances in life, not matter how bleak things may be.
Hi Vishnu,
Yes, they do show us that hope exists. They have dedicated their lives to helping those trying to find recovery. It is so needed, and a career that comes from the heart. Thanks so much for your comment.
Thank you so much, Cathy, for bringing these women and their work to our attention.
Hi Lisa,
Yes I have had personal experience with Kristina and Velvet with my kids, and they were both wonderful and very caring. I just finished Sherry’s book and it was very good. I would recommend it to anyone to help with their recovery. Thanks so much for your comment.
Alcohol dependency has played a significant role in our family throughout my lifetime. While a lot of us managed to stop before it was too late, my son’s father did not and at the young age of 40 yrs. passed away. It was a tragic situation that I carry grief about to this day. I think that intervention is key to helping those that get to the point where they can no longer help themselves. Intervention should be given a greater voice, at least, that’s how I see it. Thanks for sharing the resources, Cathy.
Hi Marianne,
My heart goes out to you when I hear your story Marianne. The longer I am online, the more stories I hear, and what I realize is that there are very few people that have not been touched by addiction. It is very hard for the family members. We want to help and we feel that there is something we can do or could have done, but the reality is that there is very little we can do, but offer help. The addicted person needs to make the decision if they want to help themselves. It’s frustrating and stressful for all involved. I agree that intervention is so important. I do feel family and friends should reach out and try and help with an intervention if at all possible. Thanks so much for sharing your story and your comment.
Thanks for sharing these interesting and beneficial stories with us. These types of proficient recovery treatment centers are mostly preferred by people. Keep sharing such more.
Hi Nicholas,
These three woman are all inspirational to me and have made recovery their life’s work which is so amazing. Thanks for stopping by.
I don’t think I’m doing amazing things, I think it’s just normal: a mum, who has a now-recovering heroin addict son, and who has put her life on HOLD, to help him. This is just what you do, isn’t it? Help? And stop being angry with him? Sure, some days I want to go scream in the garden shed, in fact do go scream in the shed. Other days, we laugh and get dinner together. 8 mos clean he is, this time. I’ll help as long as he needs it. And we’ll write about it for as long as it takes.
Hi Lynn,
That is wonderful that your son is a recovering heroin addict. I’m so glad that he is putting his life back together. Honestly, I feel that every mom who goes through this is amazing. It is stressful stuff for parents. We were not trained to deal with the addiction of our children. I’m sure he is so appreciative of your support. All the best to you.
Wow these are 3 powerful women and I got goose bumps or truth bumps reading about them. The title of The Lost Years says it all! And I’ve never heard of The Law of Sobriety but it makes perfect sense. Awesome and well done!
Thanks Tess! I know these women are doing such great work. They help so many make positive changes!! I appreciate you stopping by!
Great job! I deeply appreciate your work, but where did you get the inspiration and passion to do the job?
Hi Ekwere,
I appreciate your kind words. My passion comes from experiencing substance use in my family and realizing how it can derail a person’s life. There are far too many who are suffering because of substance use. It is a worthy cause. Thank you.