Who We Are
Healing Through Connection
The Recovery Connection is a female-founded and female-led restorative program of healing of substance use disorder, imbued with heart-centric care. What separates The Recovery Connection from others is simply the experience our clients have with us.
Founders
July Judy
Co-Founder & Director of Business Development
CSAC, Certified Reiki Master & Certified Yoga Instructor
Driven by her own story of addiction and recovery, Julie is the Co-Founder and Director of Business Development of The Recovery Connection, a substance use treatment center in Winchester, Virginia. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Julie finds fulfillment not only in strategic development of the company with her visionary spirit, but also in building impactful relationships and supporting a mission-driven culture rooted in compassion and true authenticity.
Along her life journey, Julie discovered a deep calling to the path of holistic healing. She is both a Certified Reiki Master and a Certified Yoga Instructor who finds bliss in the opportunity to share these healing modalities with others, while also focusing on her own spiritual growth and continued evolution. Julie resides in Middletown, Virginia with her husband Jimmy and their five children.
What Does TRC mean to me?
“TRC is everything real - every single person matters.”
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
"We are all just walking each other home."
Co-Founder & Executive Director
CPRS & RPRS
Meredith Speir-Cavalier is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Recovery Connection. More importantly than her job title, Meredith is a person in long term recovery from substance use disorder. She is passionate about empowering the human spirit of those that are impacted by the disease of addiction. Meredith is a TEDx speaker, a Certified and Registered Peer Recovery Specialist in the state of Virginia, and published author of an Amazon best seller. Meredith believes in servant leadership and specializes in admissions, marketing, operations, and administration for The Recovery Connection. Her hobbies are cheering for the North Carolina Tarheels, shopping, practicing yoga, and spending time with her daughter.
What does TRC mean to me?
“TRC was built from the ground up and embodies a very special culture. TRC was built on love, empathy, authenticity, integrity and connection. We provide the clients that we serve a safe place to heal and thrive. We provide our employees with a place to laugh, love, lean in, and truly be themselves. I could not be more grateful to wake up each morning and head to work at such a special place.”
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”
Meredith Speir-Cavalier
Directors
Administrative Director
CSAC
Meghan currently serves as Administrative Director. She graduated from James Madison University with a B.A. in Psychology, studied abroad for one year after graduation, and relocated to Winchester in July 2014. She owned a business for six years and was grateful to join TRC in late 2021. In 2025, she earned her CSAC certification and started an MBA program. Her short-term career goals include continued learning of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services and operations, and being her team’s number one fan. A long‑term career goal is to see every individual have access to comprehensive health insurance and high-quality health care.
What does TRC mean to me?
You matter. You are accepted exactly as you are, and the journey continues. We want every single person who walks through the doors of TRC to feel safe and encouraged, to practice using the skills that will promote your continued recovery after treatment. Freedom from active addiction is available! It starts when you say “when.”
Favorite quote:
“That’s good. One less thing.” – Forrest Gump
“Trust the Process.”
Meghan Griffith
Sarah Shade
Interim Clinical Director
M.Ed., LPC
Sarah Shade is the Interim Clinical Director at The Recovery Connection. She completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Carnegie Mellon University, and her master’s degree in Community Agency Counseling at George Mason University. Her role at The Recovery Connection is primarily focused on supervision of the clinical team, and she enjoys assisting the clinicians in developing skills to better serve clients. Sarah’s previous experience working with clients informs her viewpoint on recovery and mental health treatment alike. She believes that our past experiences shape our current issues more than anything else, and that the most profound and lasting changes occur when past wounds are confronted, processed, and healed. Sarah feels honored to walk alongside individuals completing such a journey. Sarah finds joy in making her friends laugh, spending way too much time and money on Lego sets, and making crafts and desserts the way her grandmother taught her.
What does TRC mean to me?
The Recovery Connection, above all else, feels like a safe space – for clients and staff alike. Here, we are all encouraged to grow, stretch our wings, and discover how to thrive. We’re even encouraged to stumble along the way, and to “Make Mistakes Out Loud”. TRC feels like home.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” – John Lennon,
Beautiful Boy. (In other words: stay present, live in the moment, don’t let life pass you by)
Katie Thompson
Program Director
MS, CSAC, & ICAADC
Katie Thompson brings both personal experience with addiction and over a decade of professional expertise in the field of substance use disorder treatment. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical-Counseling Psychology and maintains active credentials as a Virginia CSAC and ICAADC. Katie approaches her work with a deep respect for each individual’s path, always keeping the unique needs of clients at the center of her leadership.
Since joining The Recovery Connection at its inception as a licensed treatment program in 2020, Katie has worn many hats—serving in direct care, providing clinical services, and now leading as Program Director. Her experience across roles gives her a grounded perspective and a strong commitment to cultivating a treatment environment that is heart-centered, trauma-informed, safe, and yes—fun. She believes that recovery should include space for joy and connection and she works each day to ensure that TRC reflects that belief.
Originally from New York, Katie has called Virginia home since 2008. She is a proud wife, mom of four, and grandma, with a full house that includes a dog and a cat. When she’s not at one of TRC’s locations, you’ll likely find her lakeside in a beach chair with a good book in hand.
What does TRC mean to me?
"The Recovery Connection is a truly special place. We have the profound privilege of walking alongside incredibly brave and resilient women during a meaningful part of their journey. To witness them rediscover—or discover for the very first time—their purpose and power is nothing short of inspiring. It changes you. The growth we see in our clients, and the unwavering support they offer one another, leaves a lasting imprint on everyone lucky enough to be part of it."
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
“See the light in others and treat them as if it’s all you see.” - Wayne Dyer
Medical Team
Sharon Craddock
Medical Director
PMHNP
Lead Nurse Practitioner
Foundation Medical Group
Sharon Craddock is an addiction psychiatric nurse practitioner who has witnessed addiction's effects on the family structure since she was young. Having lived through this, and having seen how recovery can completely change the individual and also the family (for the better), she wanted to get involved from a clinical perspective to help those suffering. By treating any co-occurring conditions, addressing underlying trauma, and encouraging support, there are better chances of a successful recovery. She comes to us with a wealth of experience, having been a nurse for 10 years and a nurse practitioner for 12, Sharon has experience in emergency medicine, cardiology, internal medicine, as well as critical care, and is double board certified in Adult/Geriatric Acute Care as well as Psych Mental Health. She is the Lead NP at Foundation Medical Group in Richmond, VA - https://foundationmedicalgroup.org.
What does TRC mean to me?TRC is such an amazing organization. You can tell that it was developed and is run by strong women who wanted to pass on hope to other women. Because it is small, there is more 1:1 help compared to larger facilities, which is what gives TRC its charm.
Favorite Inspirational Quote: "Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm." (Abraham Lincoln)
Amber Mawyer
Licensed Practical Nurse
LPN
Amber has been in the medical field since 2013, become an LPN in 2018, and started working as a Nurse in jails and prisons and learned that the help she wanted to be able to provide could not be done in that type of setting. In 2021, she started working in detox and rehabilitation centers. Her favorite part of working in this environment is seeing the change, growth, and light come back for my clients. Of all the Nursing work that she has done over the years, the substance use field has been the most rewarding and fulfilling. When she is not working; Amber is a mom to three children. Her children are her water babies and they love to be in the water at all times. A summer tradition that Amber enjoys is visiting one new zoo and one new aquarium every year. Finding new areas to explore is always her family’s go to, especially if it involves finding a new swimming hole.
What does TRC mean to me?
TRC has shown me that care during rehabilitation means more than the medical care needed. I love that our clients have a safe space to be themselves and feel all the feelings and emotions needed to help them on the road to recovery. TRC has made myself see rehab nursing as more than just the "medicine" needed to help my clients through their recovery journey. I have discovered the power of connection during my time with TRC and how important it is.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
F.E.A.R has two meanings
"Forget Everything And Run"
or
"Face Everything And Rise"
the choice is yours!
Admin Team
Stephanie Grasty
Administrative & Admissions Coordinator
Stephanie Grasty serves as the Admissions and Administrative Coordinator, bringing a unique blend of organizational precision and deep-rooted empathy to the substance abuse treatment field. A Virginia native, Stephanie has a lifelong connection to the region and a steadfast commitment to serving her local community. Her professional dedication is profoundly personal, as she celebrates over 16 years in recovery, offering patients a perspective of shared experience and genuine hope.
Her current chapter follows a distinguished 30-year tenure in the DC Metro beauty industry, where she excelled as an active stylist, educator, and creative director. This extensive background in leadership and service gives her a uniquely caring approach when welcoming new clients into The Recovery Connection program.
When away from the office, Stephanie remains a creator at heart who enjoys crocheting, cooking, and spending quality time with family. An avid music lover, she can often be found at local concerts, soaking in the vibrant culture of the area she has always called home.
Balancing professional expertise with a passion for transformation, Stephanie is a vital asset to both her team and the individuals she welcomes at the beginning of their recovery journey.
What does TRC mean to me:
The Recovery Connection means the chance to rediscover who you are and reconnect with the world around you. By blending love with accountability, we empower individuals to trade the struggle of addiction for a life of freedom. It is where real human connection becomes the catalyst for true, permanent change.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
"The greatest glory in living, lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall" ~Nelson Mandela
Mary Howard
Alumni Coordinator
Mary’s final words as a client of The Recovery Connection were, “I don’t know how, but I’m going to work here one day and help others the way you have helped me.”
Today, she has the distinct honor of becoming the first former client hired to serve on the TRC team.
For Mary, TRC is the place where hope was restored and purpose was rediscovered. It is a community that fosters accountability, connection, and growth — a space where individuals are empowered to rebuild their lives with dignity and support.
Now serving in the same organization that once supported her, Mary is committed to walking alongside others as they navigate their own paths in recovery. Guided by living experience and a deep belief in the power of community, she remains devoted to helping others find strength, stability, and renewed possibility.
What does TRC mean to me:
TRC is a community that fosters accountability, connection, and growth — a space where individuals are empowered to rebuild their lives with dignity and support.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”
Maya Angelou
Clinical Team
Eddie Johnston
Registered Peer Recovery Specialist, RPRS
Eddie Johnston is a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist (RPRS) with the state of Virginia, dedicated to helping individuals navigate the journey of sustained recovery. Drawing on his professional training and the Virginia Board of Counseling standards, Eddie serves as an advocate and motivator for those facing mental health or substance use challenges. He is passionate about promoting self-determination and empowerment, helping his peers build the healthy coping skills and community connections needed for long-term wellness.
Eddie is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology, a step that allows him to bridge the gap between lived experience and academic insight. He is a firm believer in the healing power of connection, both to oneself and to the world around us. Outside of his professional and academic pursuits, Eddie is an avid outdoorsman and forager, finding balance through nature. Whether he’s at a live concert, a sporting event, or relaxing with video games, Eddie prioritizes the same diverse interests and self-care he encourages in his peers.
What does TRC mean to me?
The Recovery Connection is more than just a workplace; it is a community built on the unwavering belief that connection is the antidote to the isolation of addiction. Working here means being part of a heart-centered mission that sees every individual as already whole, even when they may not feel that way themselves. TRC provides a safe space of empowerment where I can authentically use my lived experience to walk beside others as they navigate their own paths to freedom. It is a place that values the human spirit above all else, proving every day that when we prioritize authentic relationships and loving yourself, healing becomes possible.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
“Life is hard, you cannot sit inside your house and wallow in self-pity.” – Marc Brownstein
“Keep hope alive, keep hope alive, keep hope alive.” – Jesse Jackson
Clara Kight
Lead Clinician, CSAC-S & QMHP-A
Clara Kight is a Clinician at TRC. She studied psychology at Shenandoah University and was grateful to bring that passion to her position at TRC. She feels most passionately about making real connections with each client she encounters. Clara aims to help create a treatment environment that is loving and conducive to recovery and healing. For her, this means being a safe person for clients to come to when they need support and need to feel heard. This also means holding each client accountable and encouraging them to do their very best to fulfill the responsibilities and expectations of TRC.
Outside of work, Clara most enjoys spending time with her partner – whether that be traveling or just hanging out at home with their two cats, Goose and Peko! She is passionate about self-care and mental health and incorporates many of the tools she shares with clients into her own life.
What does TRC mean to me?:
To me, the meaning of The Recovery Connection is in the name – "connection". So often, we hear that the opposite of addiction is connection, and in my time at TRC, I've come to find that to be so true. People are more likely to succeed in their goals, whatever they may be, when they have a support system they can rely on. At TRC, we provide exactly that. Not only can clients count on staff to show up for them, but we've worked hard to create a space where our clients can feel comfortable relying on each other as well.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
"I said to the Sun, 'Tell me about the big bang.' The Sun said, 'It hurts to become.'" - Andrea Gibson, poet
Emily Thornton
Case Manager
Emily Thornton is a Case Manager at The Recovery Connection. She was born in a small town named Grundy, VA and has moved around Virginia before settling in Winchester with her parents right before her 6th grade year. In high school, Emily earned her CNA license and worked in the nursing field throughout high school and college. She earned her Associate’s Degree from Laurel Ridge Community College, then went on to Shenandoah University, where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. Emily is currently back at Shenandoah, working on her Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Outside of TRC, Emily loves spending time with her parents, as well as her two best friends and their kids who she considers a niece and nephew. Emily loves to dance and was in classes since she was 3. Now, you can probably find her at a Zumba class in the gym! Emily started as a full time Direct Care Professional, then transitioned to Case Manager less than a year after starting with TRC.
What does TRC mean to me?
TRC to me means a new beginning. There is so much value in the connection that TRC brings to clients and the community. Recovery is a journey, and to have clients choose TRC as part of that journey is so amazing to see. We are a safe space, where anyone can laugh, love and lean in. To me, that is truly special. I love seeing the light come back into the women after gaining that support, safe space and love that they truly deserve.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
“What we think to be our biggest weakness, can sometimes be our biggest strength.” - Azriel, A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Mass
Jessica Marks
Primary Clinician, CSAC-S
Jess Marks is a primary Clinician at The Recovery Connection, where she brings compassionate care to all clients. Born and raised in Winchester, VA, Jess earned dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Criminology from Shenandoah University. Her academic background equips her with an understanding of both behavioral science and the criminal justice system, enhancing her ability to support clients through their recovery journeys. Outside of her professional life, Jess is passionate about creative and recreational activities. She loves crocheting, roller skating, and spending quality time with her cats. Her commitment to both her work and personal interests reflects her holistic approach to well-being and recovery.
What does TRC mean to me?:
Two of my favorite values of TRC are "Be unapologetically you" and "Laugh, love, and lean in." I believe that TRC truly embodies these ideas in its support of all clients discovering who they truly are. TRC is a force that connects all who enter its doors.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Direct Care Supervisor
Randy Pratt
Direct Care Supervisor
Randy currently serves as the Direct Care Supervisor at The Recovery Connection. Randy has called Winchester home since 1990. He is a graduate of West Virginia University, holding a BA Degree in Psychology. In addition, he has earned his CSAC certification and most recently has become certified as a Health and Life Coach.
Randy comes to TRC with over 30 years of experience in addictions and mental health and more than 12 years in leadership. His personal experience with addiction combined with his educational background has allowed Randy to serve in various settings in the addiction field and criminal justice system. He enjoys developing curriculum and implementing evidence-based programs to address client needs throughout their recovery journey.
What does TRC mean to me?
TRC inspires a purpose-driven healing experience on the path to freedom. It is a healing environment where women can be heard, recognized, and celebrated throughout their recovery journey.
TRC serves as a safe container where staff can articulate their attitudes and values. It is purposely created by the way we work together and treat each other, encouraging all to use their initiative to make positive and progressive changes to improve lives. It is safe, respectful, and ethical where people are both supported and challenged to be accountable for their actions.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” - John C. Maxwell
Direct Care Team
Alexis Baltimore
Direct Care Specialist
Alexis Baltimore is a Direct Care Specialist and Compliance Support Professional at The Recovery Connection. She brings a grounding energy to the homes and supports clients with grace and empathy. Alexis began working at The Recovery Connection when she was 18 and continued to do on-call work while attending college. In May of 2025, she obtained a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Sociology from Howard University. Her academic background has equipped her with the necessary knowledge and skills to sufficiently serve those in recovery. Alexis is extremely passionate about psychology and aiding others through their mental health challenges, as she advocates for better mental health resources and the destigmatization of mental health conditions.
Outside of her professional life, Alexis enjoys spending time with her friends and her cat, Styx. She indulges in many different hobbies including reading, baking, painting, coloring, and playing video games. Alexis also loves going to concerts and seeing her favorite artists, such as Pierce The Veil and Bring Me The Horizon, live.
What does TRC mean to me?
To me, TRC is a place of compassion and growth. Whether you are a client or staff member, you are always provided a supportive space to be “unapologetically you,” while being given the tools and support to work towards and achieve your goals. The Recovery Connection offers a safe place to women on their recovery journey, fostering connections that unite and uplift them. My favorite part of working at TRC is being able to see the growth our women have gone through and watching them transition into sober living with confidence.
Favorite Quote:
“Something that is loved is never lost.” Toni Morrison, Beloved.
Kim Beard
Direct Care Specialist
Kimberly has over 36 years in residential treatment settings. She has worked extensively with adults with Intellectual Disabilities and adolescents and adults with emotional, behavioral, and substance use issues. Kimberly is the co-founder of the Isaiah 58 Project, Inc. which is a 501c3 organization designed to reach out to those with substance use disorders and homelessness. Kimberly is passionate about services and ministry to women in recovery from all types of addictions and abuses.With that in mind, Kimberly founded W.O.W. Ministries in March of 2024. Through this ministry, Kimberly is hopeful that women will feel empowered and discover their true identity and purpose.
Kimberly is currently working on her degree to obtain a Bachelors in Human Services with a specialization in Substance Use Disorder. Kimberly enjoys spending time with her family, and all things outdoors. Kimberly has 4 children and four grandchildren. Kimberly resides in the Winchester area with her husband, Jeff.
Melissa Caprio
Direct Care Specialist
Melissa Caprio is extremely proud to be a person in recovery. Recovery has given her so much and she enjoys giving back to the clients. Melissa obtained her recovery coach certificate and PRSS in West Virginia. She loves working in the field which gives back to her every day. Melissa loves watching beautiful people grow and provide them with the love and support they deserve to walk their pathway in recovery. Outside of work, she loves being outdoors, hiking, swimming, and traveling with her husband.
What does TRC mean to me?
TRC is a safe loving space for our ladies to begin their journey. A place for them to build genuine relationships and work on accountability and responsibility to find their pathway to recovery. I'm so proud to be a part of this.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
“Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” - Robert Louis Stevenson
Strategic Partners
Christopher Bennett
Strategic Partner
A serial entrepreneur in the behavioral healthcare industry, Christopher humbly discovered his true passion for care over a decade into his career when he experienced the healing occurring at The Recovery Connection. Christopher is a mission driven and vision aligned Partner who is in his true gifts when creating opportunities, envisioning growth, and ultimately how it all connects down to each individual and the collective heartbeat of TRC. When he's not actively working on a variety of impact driven business opportunities, he's devoting his presence to his girlfriend over a fantastic meal, a run somewhere along the beach, or he's entrenched in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. As a dedicated meditation teacher and practitioner coming from the Tantric Hatha Yoga Lineage of the Himalayan Masters, Christopher's passion for healing through breath work, yoga and meditation connects him directly into the soul of TRC. TRC is the most heart driven and soul inspiring treatment program he's ever experienced in his extensive career.
What does TRC mean to me?
“TRC is the most heart driven and soul inspiring treatment program he's ever experienced in his extensive career.”
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
"Be a yogi, don't look like a yogi."
Robert Ryberg
Strategic Partner
Rob is Managing Partner at The Recovery Connection with a focus on financial health, sustainability, and growth opportunities. Rob has a diverse background in healthcare services, having led the development of a large multi state behavioral health platform. Rob began his career as a management consultant and is known for his acumen in financial systems, modeling, budgeting, and diligence. Rob is also a person in long-term recovery and passionate about developing leaders and offering opportunities.
In addition to a BS in Legal Studies from Utah Valley University, Rob holds an MBA with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Healthcare Management from The University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management. He is co-founder of The Opportunity Collective, a social impact equity fund and an active member of the Desert Angels, an angel-investing group based in Tucson, AZ. He has also been a member of the C4 Recovery Foundation board of directors since 2011.
Professionally, Rob is focused on developing systems of care in underserved areas and creating opportunities that allow recovering populations to thrive. He is passionate about the development of ecosystems, including but not limited to supportive housing, employment opportunities, entrepreneurial training, and education.
Personally, Rob is an avid traveler and adventure enthusiast. He splits his time between the Chicagoland suburbs and Tucson, AZ.
What does TRC mean to me?
“To me, TRC means community and love. It’s an expression of what I would have wanted when I made the decision to get clean and sober. From the care team to the physical environment, every aspect of care is delivered with warmth in an experience curated to build live a life worth living.”
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
“Service is love in work clothes” – Dr Bob Smith