About us
Structure, safety and peer support on the journey to lasting recovery. Our mission is to give people seeking recovery from substance use disorders a safe, structured, home-like environment that fosters recovery, personal growth and civic responsibility.
Our mission
Foundations to Freedom is a community-based nonprofit that helps clients reclaim their dignity and acquire the knowledge, skills, support and resources they need to maintain a drug-free, purposeful and productive life.
Our programs support individuals and veterans in recovery who are looking for structure, community and a path to lasting freedom. We are not a treatment centre and we are not a landlord — we are the structured, supported middle ground that most people are missing when they leave treatment or incarceration.
What shapes our approach
Katherine Russell, our founder, uses her own experience overcoming addiction to fuel our mission. As Executive Director, her deep understanding of the recovery process and of sober living homes shapes the essence of our approach.
Quitting substances is only the first stage. True recovery is about finding yourself, uncovering your strength and committing to personal growth. Our programs offer a roadmap plus the resources and support needed to sustain it.
Our professionals understand the complexities of addiction — most of our employees are in long-term recovery. The team includes certified recovery peer support specialists, case managers, care coordinators and a transportation team.
Veterans
Foundations to Freedom proudly supports veterans who are rebuilding life after service. Our recovery housing and peer programs help veterans work through PTSD, substance use and the challenges of transitioning back into civilian life — with purpose and dignity.
Veteran housing offers a safe, structured environment with ADA-compliant access, VA support and guidance from staff who understand military life.
Meet our team
Program directors, case managers, peer support specialists and drivers — here to provide unwavering support and guidance as you begin your journey toward lasting recovery and personal growth.
Katherine Russell
Executive Director & Founder
Kristy Edwards
Outreach Coordinating Manager
William Doran
Flagler Program Director
Amber White
Women's Program Director
Les Nelson
Men's Program Director
Alyssa Eisenman
Case Manager
Aubrey Willet
Case Manager
George De Jesus
Case Manager
Gregory Brannon
Case Manager
Kayla Varvel
Case Manager
Melissa Bell
Case Manager
Richard Tillinghast
Case Manager
Governance
Open any name to read their background.
General Counsel since the organisation's founding, providing legal guidance to advance our mission. A member of the Florida Bar since 2013 with extensive in-house experience at a Fortune 500 company, and expertise in negotiation, policy development and risk management.
A supporter of the mission from the very beginning, bringing lived experience and a deep commitment to service. Co-owner of Taconic in Petersburg, New York before retiring to focus on family and giving back; in long-term recovery since 2017.
Community-engaged Professor and the Jessie Ball DuPont Distinguished Chair of Social Justice Education at Stetson University, and Past-President of the National Coalition for the Homeless Board.
Supports Foundations to Freedom because a safe and therapeutic place to live is the first step in achieving recovery — a home-like environment with the people, structure and resources that foster healing.
Brings over ten years of personal recovery and treatment-professional experience, including managing operations for FARR-accredited housing programs. Certified Recovery Residence Administrator and Certified Addiction Counselor.
A woman in long-term recovery with 17 years of sobriety. Having experienced recovery firsthand, she is deeply passionate about giving back what was so freely given to her.
Film Festival Director and Emmy Award-winning producer, and founder of Reel Dreams And You. Contributes marketing expertise to expand awareness and strengthen community engagement.
Careers
We hire certified recovery peer support specialists, case managers, care coordinators and transportation staff across Volusia and Flagler counties. If you are in long-term recovery and want to give it back, we want to hear from you.
Start your journey