Reentry Reframed

From an early age, Ashley Hennessy recalls her childhood being filled with chaos, addiction, and mistrust. As she struggled to find where she fit in, unfortunately, it was not school. Instead of forming close friendships she desperately needed for support, Ashley faced bullies who broke her self-confidence down even further. From there, Ashley found friends in all the wrong places. The solution for fitting in and the confidence she longed for came in the form of a lie- methamphetamine. As her addiction took over her life, she found herself in and out of the justice system with a dozen felonies. Finally, she found her salvation and motivation for sobriety by helping others. For the little girl who longed for friends, she is now truly a friend of recovery; she is coined the "Queen of Oxford" for her relentless efforts to help others find safe, sober homes. Ashley's connection to the community is deep rooted as the people she has led to recovery carry the torch as well. Here's to you, Ashley!

With nearly three decades of experience working in the behavioral health field, Heath Bechler shares his “Tech to CEO” journey with us on this episode. After five years working as a counselor for Mirror, Heath then moved into an administrator role for an inpatient youth program prior to launching his own treatment company in 2002. Expanding to more than ten locations statewide, he created new models of treatment with the goal of providing help to underserved areas and populations. Heath shares a message others can get behind with a “if there is a need, figure out a way to help” approach; blending this approach with a sound business model ensures we can grow to better serve our communities. Shortly after returning to Mirror as CEO, Heath focused on employing strength-based leadership methods throughout the organization. Where is Mirror, Inc headed? Hear for yourself “From the Top.”

Dustin Moore grew up in an idyllic setting in San Diego, California, where he surfed and lived the “country club” lifestyle. He claims his childhood was one of privilege and care, and he gravitated towards any sport he could be involved with. Starting college, that is when his life started to turn course; regarding addiction, Dustin remarks this is something you just “have in you” or you do not. He quickly felt a new, strong gravitational pull towards substances he had always stayed away from. Dustin describes when he identified as an athlete, his life was structured. When he went to college and the structure and his connections went away, he filled those voids and time with drugs, alcohol, and other people focused on “partying.” From there, his life began to spiral out of control with his addiction and a life of crime. Dustin describes his fatal flaw was not understanding the depth of his addiction, and ultimately what it would take to work his way out of. Finally, after breaking through the cycle of addiction, this is where Dustin’s life truly takes off when he learned there is much more to recovery than just abstaining from substances. In finding his purpose, he has been able to build bridges and close gaps in recovery and reentry through Artists Helping the Homeless. Dustin, we admire your passion and dedication to helping others!

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This episode is incredibly special because Heather is sharing her journey for the first time on a public platform. Heather will tell you, “Hope is everything,” and we could not agree more. Born raised in South Central California, Heather DiDomenico Graves recalls what impacted her childhood most was childhood obesity. Reflecting, she describes how living in an area with such high beauty standards in Southern California, she struggled with lack of self-love and self-worth. With very strict parents who worked a lot, especially with her father in the military, she spent much of her time with her older siblings. In school, Heather was bullied for her weight which led her to a group where she found acceptance. Unfortunately, what she found was a “false sense of solidarity” as she began to experiment with substances at the age of twelve. From there, her story takes many curves ultimately leading her to where she is today. As a licensed cosmetologist for the past twenty years, she bought her first commercial property seven years ago. Heather’s first salon opened almost six years ago, Onyx Salon and Wellness Spa. She now has a boutique and café by Onyx as well as second salon location that has been open for nearly two years. It takes tremendous courage to tell your story; in doing so, this shows others there is a brighter tomorrow that can impact so many people. Heather, thank you for trusting us with your story, and we wish you nothing but the best!

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Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Eliza Barr describes her childhood as quite typical for the most part. Her parents were very protective of their large family of seven children. Reflecting on this, Eliza believes this was likely due to her parents experiencing “intense childhoods” they wanted to shield their children from. At the time of her birth, Eliza’s mother was incarcerated. With one ankle shackled to the hospital bed, Eliza shares what her mother shares with her each year on her birthday from those memories of Eliza’s delivery. At the young age of just fourteen, Eliza’s father spent decades in a cycle of incarceration. Her sophomore year in high school, her father broke this cycle with his final period of incarceration. Being a “daddy’s girl,” she describes it was very emotional for her during his absences; however, he worked very hard to be present for his children even when he could not physically be there. Eliza and her siblings developed a deep sense of empathy and caring for the “whole person” from their parents’ experiences. She shares the incredible journey of her parents and their dedication to helping others. Fueled by the passion she observed as her parents poured themselves into their community, Eliza grew up knowing she wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. She serves as the Executive Director for Reaching Out From Within, which is a national leader for rehabilitation programs for incarcerated men and women. She focuses on empowerment, education, gainful employment, and equipping people with the tools they need to be successful. Eliza, you are incredible, and we are so grateful for you sharing your tremendous story with us!

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