Our Team.
The ROCC has been designed and planned by people in long term recovery. The core team of seven planners are all Certified Peer Specialist (CPS).
The ROCC has been designed and planned by people in long term recovery. The core team of seven planners are all Certified Peer Specialist (CPS).
Teddy holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work and a Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education. She holds certifications through the Missouri Substance Abuse Credentialing Board as a SATOP Instructor, Missouri Associate Drug Counselor II, a Certified Peer Support Specialist, a certified Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) instructor, and a Medication Assisted Recovery Specialist. She has 35 years of sustained recovery. She also works for the Jasper County Treatment Courts. She founded ASCENT Recovery in 2008.
Paula Donaldson became Operations Director for Ascent Recovery Residences in March 2023. She was a founding board member of the Recovery Outreach Community Center (ROCC) and served as both president and secretary of Ascent’s Board of Directors prior to accepting her current role. Along with her husband, Terry, Paula helped establish the 12-step fellowship of Drug Addicts Anonymous (DAA) in Joplin. DAA was integral to Paula and Terry’s long-term recovery in Dallas, TX, and they have been pleased to see the Joplin membership grow. Paula is passionate about the local recovery community; she facilitates weekly 12-step meetings at Lafayette House and Jasper County Jail and works with clients as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) and Medication Assisted Recovery Specialist (MARS).
Greg has actively participated in the recovery field since 1987 and has been involved in ministry as a pastoral teacher since 1994. He is a Certified Peer Specialist in the State of Missouri, has completed training in relapse prevention, and holds degrees in Communication, Biblical Literature, and Theology. He served for 7 years as the leader of Celebrate Recovery at College Heights Christian Church and 4 years at God’s Resort in Joplin, MO, as Transitional Coordinator. In addition to individual recovery counseling, Greg has developed a seminar for Churches on addiction and recovery and is preparing to publish his first book, “The Spirit and the Steps.”
Ed is a native Texan and comes to us after retiring from Shaw Industries where he worked in trucking, warehousing, and logistics for 22 years.
A person of long-term recovery (29 years) Ed spent much of his spare time trying to help others. He now continues the work as a Certified Peer Specialist with the ROCC and serves as House Manager for Ascent Recovery. His passions in life are music and helping others recreate theirs.
Cherie is a Certified Peer Specialist here at the ROCC. She works at recovery daily. Cherie also works with a treatment team for the Jasper County Treatment Courts. Her passion is to help others and the community. She wants to help others spark that HOPE inside them and help guide them on their path of change. She is working towards getting her MAADC2 and is pursuing a degree in psychology.
Volunteer opportunities at include: Group facilitators; coffee team; kitchen team; maintenance team; receptionist. People that would like to share there creative life skill gifts or hobbies are always welcome and encouraged to join our team.
417-553-0412
Peers reaching out, and encouraging and empowering peers along a path of change, supporting those who struggle to live life on life’s terms and embracing those who strive for a life in long term recovery.