"Who We Are"
MISSION STATEMENT:
Roots Recovery Communities offer safe housing, refuge and resources for women recovering from substance abuse. We support them as they heal and rebuild their lives.
VISION STATEMENT:
Every woman with Substance Use Disorder should be afforded the opportunity of a safe, nurturing place to heal and recover, regardless of their socio-economic resources.
We want to see all addicted women break the generational cycles. You change the addicts live, you change the family, you change the community and ultimately the world.
OUR CORE VALUES:
We put our mission first.
We strive to have a social impact.
We offer radical support.
We serve with benevolence.
We pledge accountability.
We operate to maintain organizational health.
We advocate for the vulnerable.
We believe all voices should be heard.
We are all inclusive.
We believe in second chances.
We recognize that each woman is on her individual path and there is no “One Size Fits All” solution.
Roots Recovery Communities offer safe housing, refuge and resources for women recovering from substance abuse. We support them as they heal and rebuild their lives.
VISION STATEMENT:
Every woman with Substance Use Disorder should be afforded the opportunity of a safe, nurturing place to heal and recover, regardless of their socio-economic resources.
We want to see all addicted women break the generational cycles. You change the addicts live, you change the family, you change the community and ultimately the world.
OUR CORE VALUES:
We put our mission first.
We strive to have a social impact.
We offer radical support.
We serve with benevolence.
We pledge accountability.
We operate to maintain organizational health.
We advocate for the vulnerable.
We believe all voices should be heard.
We are all inclusive.
We believe in second chances.
We recognize that each woman is on her individual path and there is no “One Size Fits All” solution.
"Current Board of Directors"
Tammy Howard CPRS
Founder & Executive Director.
The words 'You don't ever have to be alone again' were spoken to me at my first 12-step recovery meeting in 2000. At that time, I couldn't believe it, but I now understand that this belief has been crucial to my long-term sobriety. I am healing generational trauma for me, my kids and generations to come. I see that substance abuse is still a widespread issue in our homes, communities, nation, and the world. The women in recovery have been my lifeline. They showed me love when I couldn't love myself, supported me, spoke the truth even when it was difficult to hear, listened to me, validated me, and helped me overcome the loneliness that had haunted me my whole life. In return, for the past 24 years, I've been guiding and sponsoring recovering women. I've learned to be effective, caring, and able to detach with love. When I couldn't help my own children, I found purpose in helping someone else's. I may not know many things, but I know these things well.
On a personal note, I'm a survivor of alcoholism, domestic violence, CPTSD, Co-Dependency, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and various mental health challenges that have made my life difficult. I am currently a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, yoga instructor, and mindfulness teacher. I am dedicated to my meditation practice and have been lucky to live in various parts of our country and the world. Throughout my life, I have worked in several professions, ranging from bartender and commercial interior designer to nanny. However, the most important role to me is being Nova's Meme and the mother of two compassionate human beings.
I'm here to offer my help and support. Shine on!"
The words 'You don't ever have to be alone again' were spoken to me at my first 12-step recovery meeting in 2000. At that time, I couldn't believe it, but I now understand that this belief has been crucial to my long-term sobriety. I am healing generational trauma for me, my kids and generations to come. I see that substance abuse is still a widespread issue in our homes, communities, nation, and the world. The women in recovery have been my lifeline. They showed me love when I couldn't love myself, supported me, spoke the truth even when it was difficult to hear, listened to me, validated me, and helped me overcome the loneliness that had haunted me my whole life. In return, for the past 24 years, I've been guiding and sponsoring recovering women. I've learned to be effective, caring, and able to detach with love. When I couldn't help my own children, I found purpose in helping someone else's. I may not know many things, but I know these things well.
On a personal note, I'm a survivor of alcoholism, domestic violence, CPTSD, Co-Dependency, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and various mental health challenges that have made my life difficult. I am currently a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, yoga instructor, and mindfulness teacher. I am dedicated to my meditation practice and have been lucky to live in various parts of our country and the world. Throughout my life, I have worked in several professions, ranging from bartender and commercial interior designer to nanny. However, the most important role to me is being Nova's Meme and the mother of two compassionate human beings.
I'm here to offer my help and support. Shine on!"
Sabrina Ball, Attorney
Current Board of Director
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the women in Shelby County and Madison County Communities. Through the fellowship of AA, a community of sober women and a God of my understanding, I learned to find joy and peace without the use of alcohol and drugs. I'm married, with three children, two dogs and two cats, Mick Jagger and Ziggy Stardust. By day, I'm a lawyer in the area of family law.
A large part of my life has been dedicated to working with abused and neglected children and many foster children have passed through my door. On a daily basis, I witness how the chains of addiction, separate mother's from the children they desperately love. I'm honored to be part of a program that affords women the opportunity to have safe and supported housing to start a journey of healing from substance abuse disorder.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the women in Shelby County and Madison County Communities. Through the fellowship of AA, a community of sober women and a God of my understanding, I learned to find joy and peace without the use of alcohol and drugs. I'm married, with three children, two dogs and two cats, Mick Jagger and Ziggy Stardust. By day, I'm a lawyer in the area of family law.
A large part of my life has been dedicated to working with abused and neglected children and many foster children have passed through my door. On a daily basis, I witness how the chains of addiction, separate mother's from the children they desperately love. I'm honored to be part of a program that affords women the opportunity to have safe and supported housing to start a journey of healing from substance abuse disorder.
Sarah Holny LADAC, CPRS, CIT
Current Board of Director
As a woman in long term recovery from substance abuse, I am grateful for every day I"m given the opportunity to give back what has been given to me. I had no idea how to be a wife, mother, daughter, or friend. I had no idea how to love myself and love others. The sober women in my life have taught me how to be all of those things and much, much more.
I am currently a Residential Counselor at a long-term residential program for pregnant and postpartum woman as well as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. Being given the opportunity to work with Roots and see what is being done daily for women struggling to create an entirely new life is inspirational and I am eternally grateful to be apart of this beauty.
Kendra Duncan
Current Board of Director, Past Resident
2021 I was ready for a change, the life I was living had drained me of any good I had left. I am 33 years old and had known of drugs and alcohol as a part of my life since I was 14 years old. It's crazy to think I was doing drugs at the age my daughter is today. Through a lot of trauma and forgiveness, today I am who she looks up to.
Together we were loved by the community house of Roots, together we healed. We were offered stability, structure, programs, and each other to start our road to recovery that helped us get to where we are today. As of now, I've accom plished an associate degree in business while serving and being a fulltime mother and wife. I love watching my daughter grow in life while mentoring ladies who need guidance in direction. I'm so at peace with life now and grateful for the community of women in my life.
Ashley H. Weaver
Current Board of Director
“If you persist, remarkable things will happen.”
Ashley Weaver is a dynamic development professional and passionate advocate for positive change. With a strong commitment to service, she has made a significant impact in underserved communities in Memphis, particularly through her work with Roots Recovery House. After her own experience with Grace House and sober living, Ashley recognized the critical need for safe and stable housing in early recovery.
In 2014, she opened the first women’s Oxford House in Memphis, followed by another shortly after. Her work with Roots Recovery House allows her to provide women with a loving, supportive environment during their recovery journeys. In addition to her development work, Ashley is an accomplished content creator, using her photography to tell impactful stories and enhance the brand identity of mission-based nonprofits and small businesses throughout the Mid-South.
“If you persist, remarkable things will happen.”
Ashley Weaver is a dynamic development professional and passionate advocate for positive change. With a strong commitment to service, she has made a significant impact in underserved communities in Memphis, particularly through her work with Roots Recovery House. After her own experience with Grace House and sober living, Ashley recognized the critical need for safe and stable housing in early recovery.
In 2014, she opened the first women’s Oxford House in Memphis, followed by another shortly after. Her work with Roots Recovery House allows her to provide women with a loving, supportive environment during their recovery journeys. In addition to her development work, Ashley is an accomplished content creator, using her photography to tell impactful stories and enhance the brand identity of mission-based nonprofits and small businesses throughout the Mid-South.
Kim McGee
Current Board of Director
Pediatric Nurse and Certified Yoga Instructor. Woman in long term recovery.
Pediatric Nurse and Certified Yoga Instructor. Woman in long term recovery.
Ashley Canady, CPRS
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
Current Board of Director
Recovery Pathfinder at CAAP, Inc. and a past resident at our Memphis Roots Community.
"In Loving Memory"
Kim Meloni
Board of Director & Branch Support.
Where shall I begin?
I have been in recovery myself for 24 years. To say that a 12 step program saved my life would be an understatement. Recovery has given me a life beyond my wildest dreams, much more than I could have imagined. Professionally, I practice Law and I am fortunate to be able to be of service to families that are affected by addiction through my work as an Attorney. I specialize in Family law working primarily in the Juvenile Court system. I also practice in Criminal Court as a Criminal Defense Attorney. I have enjoyed being able to give back to the Memphis community in my professional life as well.
When I was asked to serve on the board of ROOTS, I was honored. Although I am able to be of service through my professionion and in my personal recovery, Roots has enabled me to give back to the recovery community in a new and exciting way. Serving on the Roots Board has been and continues to be a wonderful experience.
Dianne Zimmerman
Past Board of Director
Hi, my name is Dianne, and I’m an alcoholic. I reached the doors of recovery May 27, 1987 a broken woman scarred from years of alcohol dependency. I had reached a point that I could not imagine life with or without alcohol. I was 38 years old living with my mother and unemployed. I was bankrupt financially, spiritually and mentally. I had nowhere else to turn when an acquaintance invited to take me to a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous.
From the moment I reached the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous my life began to change. I had finally met a group a people just like me. I no longer wondered why I thought and felt the way I did. I was eager to have what these people had and willing to go to any links to get sober. I have not had a drink since that day. I wanted to help other women find what I had found in AA. I returned to school and obtained a GED (I was a high school drop out) and started attending college right away. Eight years later I had a Masters in Social Work and went on to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
In 2018 I made a decision to retire but still had a strong desire to work with the recovering community. This is when I was approached to serve on the Board of Directors at Roots, Inc. Thus far my experience has been one of the most fulfilling in my recovery. I am looking forward to playing a role in helping women recover from addiction and ‘get back on their feet again.’ The sky is the limit.
Hi, my name is Dianne, and I’m an alcoholic. I reached the doors of recovery May 27, 1987 a broken woman scarred from years of alcohol dependency. I had reached a point that I could not imagine life with or without alcohol. I was 38 years old living with my mother and unemployed. I was bankrupt financially, spiritually and mentally. I had nowhere else to turn when an acquaintance invited to take me to a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous.
From the moment I reached the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous my life began to change. I had finally met a group a people just like me. I no longer wondered why I thought and felt the way I did. I was eager to have what these people had and willing to go to any links to get sober. I have not had a drink since that day. I wanted to help other women find what I had found in AA. I returned to school and obtained a GED (I was a high school drop out) and started attending college right away. Eight years later I had a Masters in Social Work and went on to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
In 2018 I made a decision to retire but still had a strong desire to work with the recovering community. This is when I was approached to serve on the Board of Directors at Roots, Inc. Thus far my experience has been one of the most fulfilling in my recovery. I am looking forward to playing a role in helping women recover from addiction and ‘get back on their feet again.’ The sky is the limit.
"Past Board Members"
 Landin Brown
Chairman Gift Acceptance Committee & Operations.
Oh Hey, I didn't see you there. My name is Landin Brown, proudly serving as your Chairman of the Gift Acceptance Committee and Operations. A little bit about myself...I'm a Halloween baby. I love pizza and awkward silences. I'm a dog lover and I also like the outdoors. My family is kind of a big deal to me and so is recovery. If you didn't know, I know the founder of Roots pretty well, as in my whole life. I believe in the mission of Roots. So if you would like to make a donation and need me to pick it up, I'm the man with the truck. Call or text me at the number below and I'll make arrangements for any donations you may have. You'll find our needed inventory HERE. Don't hesitate to give me a call and thank you in advance. Welcome to the Roots Family. |
 Leslie Gadd
They told me they had found much of heaven and they had been rocketed into a fourth dimension of existence of which they had not even dreamed. They told me there was no middle of the road solution. And they told me they had found a new freedom and a new happiness.
Today I can say I have been rocketed into a fourth dimension of existence of which I had never dreamed and I have found a new freedom and a new happiness. Today I sponsor many women, do service work, and continue to go meetings. Being on the Board of Directors for Roots is not only an honor, but also my way of showing gratitude for the greatest gift I've ever received. I am the mother of 2 beautiful children whose fathers also suffered from alcoholism. My son's father passed away from an overdose a couple years ago, so I know what it's like to lose someone you love to addiction. And I know how to get through something like that sober. Sobriety has given me the opportunity to be a good mother, daughter, employee, and friend. |
Angela Quadraini, LMSW
Past Chairman of the Board Clinical Outreach Specialist Longbranch Recovery & Wellness |