About NARR

Meet the Alliance

National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the availability of well-operated, ethical, and supportive recovery housing across the United States. Established to set and maintain high standards for recovery residences, NARR's goals include ensuring that individuals in recovery have access to safe and recovery-focused living environments that support their journey towards long-term recovery. NARR is a national organization with a unique two-tier organizational structure that combines national reach and influence with state-level knowledge and accountability. We operate in partnership with a network of state-level affiliate organizations which implement NARR’s standards and programs in their states.

NARR's work contributes to a broader understanding of the critical role of residential recovery environments in the recovery process, and actively enhances the quality and availability of recovery residences.

MISSION

Our mission at NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR RECOVERY RESIDENCES (NARR) is to enhance access to quality recovery residences by setting standards, providing education, and advocating for those in addiction recovery.

VISION

We envision all persons in recovery from addiction having access to the recovery support they need to live happier, healthier lives. We believe everyone should have a safe, supportive and nurturing home environment in early recovery. NARR values hope, compassion, respect, honesty, responsibility, and fairness.

ALLIES

NARR works with a variety of partners including federal agencies, national addiction and recovery organizations, our network of state-level recovery housing organizations, and state Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services agencies in pursuit of better and more accessible recovery housing opportunities.

The Standard

The NARR Standard 3.0 is the only nationally recognized standard for quality recovery housing. The NARR Standard provides guidance for certifying recovery residences as effective and safe environments that support each individual’s recovery goals.

Implemented in over 30 states
Basis for residence certification
Over 6,500 certified residences
Consumer information and protection
Alignment with resident welfare

NARR STANDARDS

over

States

more than

Certified Residences

annually

People Served

Our History

The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) was founded in 2011 to fill a void in the field of addiction recovery services. Until then, there were no widely recognized best practices or quality oversight in the operation of recovery housing, which has been in existence since the mid-nineteenth century. Using input from 48 thought leaders across 12 states, NARR created a uniform language and standards for a wide range of peer-based housing and recovery residences that promote addiction recovery.

LEARN MORE

Aerial view residential neighborhood in sunny autumn day with colorful fall foliage. Top of new development subdivision with row of single family house, large backyard and bright orange color leaves

NARR Leadership

Dave Sheridan
Executive Director

Read Dave's Bio

Dave Sheridan's leadership of NARR reflects a deep commitment to advancing recovery housing standards and fair housing rights. His background in investment management and roles within the Chandler Lodge Foundation and Southern California Sober Living Network complement his efforts to lead NARR towards fostering quality recovery environments nationwide. Dave's national influence as a speaker and writer further underscores his commitment to recovery residences and their pivotal role in the recovery process.

Darrell Mitchell
President

Read Darrell's Bio

As president of NARR, Darrell Mitchell exemplifies transformative leadership within the recovery residence sector. He has played a significant role in advancing recovery housing standards both statewide and nationally as the founder of the Indiana Affiliation of Recovery Residences (INARR). A pivotal advocate for legislative progress, Darrell was instrumental in embedding Recovery Housing standards into Indiana law in 2017—a landmark achievement in the advocacy for recovery residences. Darrell's educational background from Purdue University and advanced degrees in Addictions Counseling and Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University underpin his comprehensive approach to leadership within the recovery community. He has received several awards for his dedication and leadership in the field, including the "Heroes for Recovery Consumer Advocate Award." His role at Aspire Indiana Health as Vice President of Recovery Communities and his directorship at Progress House showcases his ongoing commitment to integrating recovery principles across healthcare services, emphasizing lived experiences. Darrell’s involvement in various boards and councils further reflects his dedication to enhancing recovery support frameworks.

Chris Edrington
Vice President

Read Chris's Bio

Chris Edrington, as Vice President of NARR, has made significant contributions to the sobriety and recovery residence landscape. He founded St. Paul Sober Living and worked to create supportive recovery environments in Minnesota and Colorado, resulting in policy advancements within the industry. Chris is committed to improving the accessibility and quality of recovery residences nationally and has held leadership positions in co-founding NARR and serving as Past President of the Minnesota Association of Sober Homes. Chris’s approach to "Social Selling," fostering genuine community relationships within the recovery sphere, mirrors his belief in transformative engagement. His leadership continues to advocate for the highest standards in recovery residences, ensuring individuals in recovery have access to community-oriented, supportive living environments.

Erin Helms
Secretary

Read Erin's Bio

Erin Helms brings her profound expertise in chemical dependency counseling and her passion for the recovery community to her role as Secretary for NARR and Executive Director at The Woodrow Project. With a Master’s degree in Addiction Counseling from the Hazelden Graduate School and a solid foundation from The Ohio State University, Erin’s journey has been marked by significant contributions across public health and addiction counseling. Her leadership at The Woodrow Project, focusing on women's recovery, emphasizes the power of community and hope.

Erin's dedication extends through her active participation in key boards and committees, including the Cuyahoga County Opiate Task Force and the Northeast Ohio Recovery Residence Network. Her advocacy efforts, particularly through On the Road of Recovery, highlight her commitment to raising awareness and championing recovery as an attainable goal for all.

Fred Way
Treasurer

Read Fred's Bio

Fred Way’s role as Treasurer of NARR is enriched by his extensive experience and deep commitment to the recovery community. As Founder and Executive Director of the Philadelphia Association of Recovery Residences (PARR), Fred has played a crucial role in setting national recovery housing standards. His 18-year tenure at the City of Philadelphia Office of Addiction Services and his involvement with Mother Daughter Bonding and the Philadelphia Recovery Residence Baseball League underscore his dedication to promoting recovery and community engagement.

Fred’s visionary leadership within NARR and his contributions to the field have significantly advanced the quality and effectiveness of recovery residences, ensuring safe and supportive environments for those on their recovery journey. His personal and professional dedication to fostering change has established him as a leading figure in the recovery community.

Joel Bagley
Board Member

Read Joel's Bio

Joel Bagley's personal and professional journey has been profoundly shaped by the world of recovery since 1996, when his son began a life-changing treatment journey. This pivotal experience led Joel to pivot from a corporate career in communications to addiction counseling, founding Purple Inc., a Level 3 recovery residence in Atlanta, GA, in 2003. As a founder of Purple Inc. and a key figure in the formation of NARR, Joel has been a steadfast advocate for recovery residences nationwide. Additionally, Joel extends his support to small business owners as a certified coach, merging his expertise in communication, counseling, and business to inspire and guide heart-centered businesses.

George Braucht
Board Member

Read George's Bio

George Braucht, LPC, CPCS, & CARES

George Braucht’s 14,000+ hours of supervised psychotherapy and community psychology experience significantly contributes to workforce development and social justice initiatives in behavioral health. Co-founder of the Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES) Academy then the Forensic Peer Mentor Ready4Reentry peer trainings, George has developed and facilitated the implementation of vital resources state-wide recovery counseling programs and recovery residence manager trainings. His roles with GARR and NARR mark him as a pioneer in recovery housing and behavioral health.

Anthony Grimes
Board Member

Read Anthony's Bio

Anthony Grimes, CPRS

Anthony Grimes's journey as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist has led to founding a certified recovery residence and the WAR Foundation in Richmond, VA, significantly expanding certified recovery housing in the area. As the executive director of VARR and a key player in securing state funding for recovery residences, Anthony's work is vital to the recovery community in Virginia and beyond. His efforts underscore the importance of quality, certified recovery residences as essential components of addiction treatment.

Whitney Lehman
Board Member

Read Whitney's Bio

Whitney Lehman's career is distinguished by her leadership and advocacy within the recovery community. Formerly the Executive Director of FARR, and now the Director of Recovery Advocacy for GetHelp, Whitney's commitment to ethical practices and care standards in recovery residences is unwavering. Her collaborative efforts with law enforcement and advisory roles further highlight her holistic approach to advocacy, aimed at improving outcomes for individuals affected by substance use disorders.

Beth Fisher Sanders
Board Member

Read Beth's Bio

Beth Fisher Sanders, LCSW, LCAS, MAC, CCS

As the Founder and CEO of Hope Recovery Resources, Beth Fisher Sanders has dedicated her career to creating supportive environments for recovery. With a focus on addiction recovery since 1987 and a pivotal role in establishing and leading NARR as the founding president, Beth's expertise and passion have significantly influenced the development of recovery residences. Her work as a frequent contributor to professional publications and public speaking engagements underscores her commitment to the transformative power of community in recovery.

Ashley E. Stewart
Board Member

Read Ashley's Bio

Ashley E. Stewart, Ph.D., LSW, MSSW

Dr. Ashley E. Stewart stands at the forefront of diversity, inclusion, and social work, focusing her research on identity, structural oppression, and recovery health equity. Her work as an educator and consultant is pivotal in advancing policies that address health disparities and support recovery from substance use disorders. At Temple University’s School of Social Work, Dr. Stewart's role further enables her to impact the next generation of social work professionals.

Jeffery Van Treese
Board Member

Read Jeffery's Bio

With over three decades in legal and leadership roles, Jeffery Van Treese's work as President of the Michigan Association of Recovery Residences and his involvement in state committees significantly contribute to the recovery community. His personal experience with recovery residence support adds a deeply personal touch to his professional endeavors, advocating for the reduction of stigma and the integration of recovery residences within communities.

Corrie Vilsaint
Board Member

Read Corrie's Bio

Corrie Vilsaint, Ph.D.

Dr. Corrie Vilsaint's leadership and research focus on racial health equity within recovery processes are groundbreaking. Her work aims to bridge mental health disparities, focusing on recovery capital and combating recovery-related discrimination. As a board member of NARR, Dr. Vilsaint's contributions are instrumental in fostering a more equitable and supportive recovery community.

Brandy Anderson
Board Member

Read Brandy's Bio

Susan B. Blacksher
Board Member

Read Susan's Bio

Susan B. Blacksher, M.S.W.

Susan B. Blacksher's extensive career in substance abuse and recovery has left an indelible mark on the field. From hands-on service roles to leadership positions within the State Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and CAARR, Susan's work has pioneered services for underserved populations and shaped recovery service education. Her recognition with numerous awards speaks to her significant impact and dedication to recovery communities.

ADVISORY COUNCIL

COMMITTEES

About NARR

Meet the Alliance

MISSION

VISION

ALLIES

The Standard

Implemented in over 30 states

Basis for residence certification

Over 6,500 certified residences

Consumer information and protection

Alignment with resident welfare

Our History

NARR Leadership

Dave Sheridan
Executive Director

Darrell Mitchell
President

Chris Edrington
Vice President

Erin Helms
Secretary

Fred Way
Treasurer

Joel Bagley
Board Member

George Braucht
Board Member

Anthony Grimes
Board Member

Whitney Lehman
Board Member

Beth Fisher Sanders
Board Member

Ashley E. Stewart
Board Member

Jeffery Van Treese
Board Member

Corrie Vilsaint
Board Member

Brandy Anderson
Board Member

Susan B. Blacksher
Board Member

Get in touch - we want to hear from you!

Let us be your guide.

About NARR

Meet the Alliance

MISSION

VISION

ALLIES

The Standard

Implemented in over 30 states

Basis for residence certification

Over 6,500 certified residences

Consumer information and protection

Alignment with resident welfare

Our History

NARR Leadership

Dave Sheridan Executive Director

Darrell Mitchell President

Chris Edrington Vice President

Erin Helms Secretary

Fred Way Treasurer

Joel Bagley Board Member

George Braucht Board Member

Anthony Grimes Board Member

Whitney Lehman Board Member

Beth Fisher Sanders Board Member

Ashley E. Stewart Board Member

Jeffery Van Treese Board Member

Corrie Vilsaint Board Member

Brandy Anderson Board Member

Susan B. Blacksher Board Member

Get in touch - we want to hear from you!

Let us be your guide.

Dave Sheridan
Executive Director

Darrell Mitchell
President

Chris Edrington
Vice President

Erin Helms
Secretary

Fred Way
Treasurer

Joel Bagley
Board Member

George Braucht
Board Member

Anthony Grimes
Board Member

Whitney Lehman
Board Member

Beth Fisher Sanders
Board Member

Ashley E. Stewart
Board Member

Jeffery Van Treese
Board Member

Corrie Vilsaint
Board Member

Brandy Anderson
Board Member

Susan B. Blacksher
Board Member