Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Reeves.
Alison, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story is as straight as the most twisted road. After graduating from the University of North Carolina with a Business degree, I entered into the workforce as a commercial banker. When I relocated to Boston, MA, I ran an Executive Education Program for the renowned Harvard Business School. Motherhood called and my most successful role to-date was when I stayed home to raise my 4 children. I rejoined the workforce after 12 years. Shortly thereafter, I was presented the opportunity to lead the team at Stonegate Center to align its focus and develop the program into a world class treatment facility. I have never looked back.
Every day I walk this beautiful 130-acre campus at Stonegate Center with the eyes of a mother first, then as its President. I ensure the campus passes my muster and is a place that I would feel compelled, if necessary, to enroll my own son for treatment. I have a keen eye. I pick up on small details such as sweeping the front door mat to the smell of the chef smoking briskets for dinner. I want every family that entrusts their loved one to the caring, skilled staff at Stonegate Center to feel welcome and secure.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A well planned day always go awry in some way. The key to tackling this is to address what is “on fire” and minimize future recurrence. No matter how well I plan, the inevitable problem occurs to divert my focus and take my attention. However, as soon as I tackle the issue, the next step I take after this is most important. I make sure policies and procedures are in place that address the problem so that fellow staff members can tackle it when it arises again. The more I empower the staff at Stonegate Center to take ownership of operating issues the more smoothly the center runs.
For example, we have a world class equine center, arena and pavilion at Stonegate Center. It is used for our equine therapy program which is a vital component of the client’s rehabilitation. Early one morning, I was notified that 2 of our beloved horses has nudged open the barn latch and escaped down the street to freedom. After the alert Recovery Advocates lassoed the escaped equine home, we breathed a sigh of relief. However; it did not stop there. We developed a detailed set of standard operating procedures and checks and balances to minimize this from future occurrence.
Please tell us about Stonegate Center.
Stonegate Center is a 90-day Christ Centered traditional 12-step residential drug and alcohol treatment center for men, with a women’s center opening, April, 2018. We provide comprehensive treatment for our clients and their families who are affected by the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction.
We specialize in a family system approach to addiction. Meaning, we believe addiction not only wreaks havoc on the addict himself, but also destroys the family unit. Our passion is to bring the families maladaptive patterns of behavior to light and provide them with new healthy options for long term sobriety.
As a company what I am most proud of is the very thing that sets us apart – our dedicated staff. Everyone from our Recovery Advocates to our Medical Director is passionate about the clients’ recovery and have each been touched personally by addiction, to some degree.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
The proudest moment of me of my career comes when each recovering addict completes his 90-day treatment program. The bridge graduation ceremony is a culmination of a complete Stonegate Center team effort. Every staff member, along with fellow clients surround the graduate and bestow prayers of support over him. The graduate first walked over that bridge as a broken, hopeless man. Through the skill, therapy and devotion of the entire team at Stonegate, he gained needed tools to tackle his addiction. The finale of the bridge ceremony occurs when the staff at Stonegate sends the client back over the same bridge into the arms of his family members. It’s a heartfelt, breathtaking moment to witness.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe the most essential quality to success can be summarized with two words; SHOW UP. Show up every day ready to tackle the world. Show up and listen to the Recovery Advocate staff members who are on the front lines with the clients all day. Show up and learn from the Master’s Level clinicians who skillfully peel away the layers of hurt that allow the clients to begin the path to recovery. Show up and hear the progress briefings from Admissions and Business Development. Show up for planning sessions with an open mind and flexibility to empower decisions. I show up every day willing to listen, hear, see, learn, and empower the Stonegate team to be the world leader in the drug and alcohol treatment industry. I am proud to show up and work with such an impressive staff.
What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for – any big changes?
I am excited to announce that Stonegate Center is opening a 26-bed women’s treatment center on April 1, 2018. Majestically located atop a hillside in rural Parker County, the tranquil setting and seclusion will be the conduit needed for hope and healing. It will be operated separately from the men’s center and address the unique struggles women face in recovery. It is a modern, 9000-square foot fully renovated structure. I am so proud to bring this needed component to women suffering from addiction.
The future of Stonegate Center is endless. I believe flexibility is the key to a successful future. The industry and its treatment modalities are constantly changing. Our goal is to stay current and up to date to facilitate the recovery of our most valuable component, our clients.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7510 FM 1886
Azle, TX 76020 - Website: Stonegatecenter.com
- Phone: Admissions Line: 817-993-9733
- Email: info@stonegatecenter.com
- Instagram: https://youtu.be/_YHGWwM2OFs
- Facebook: Stonegate Center
- Twitter: Stonegate Center
- Yelp: Stonegate Center
- Other: Stonegate Center
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