Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Aleah Johnson earned her undergraduate degree from Washington State University in leadership and professional studies with an emphasis on event design. Prior to joining…

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Aleah Johnson earned her undergraduate degree from Washington State University in leadership and professional studies with an emphasis on event design. Prior to joining the Meadows Behavioral Healthcare team, she worked as an event planner, where weddings and social gatherings were her specialty. It was only after she found that planning parties and being the life of the party went hand in hand with addiction for her, that she knew it was time to seek help. Through her own recovery journey, Johnson felt there had to be a higher purpose for her life and work. Wanting to make a change, she applied for a job with MBH, packed what she could fit in her car, and headed for Arizona. Now she channels those event planning skills into recovery-related events and programs. Being able to spend time with alumni after they complete treatment, hearing about their accomplishments, and helping them overcome setbacks are highlights of the job. Johnson’s primary focuses are connection and community, using those to provide safe places and platforms for alum from any of our programs to be able to gain knowledge and connect with others to be successful on their recovery journey.

Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Tyler Winter began working in the behavioral health field when he was six months sober. His first job in the field was managing sober homes…

Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Tyler Winter began working in the behavioral health field when he was six months sober. His first job in the field was managing sober homes for the same sober home where he had been a resident. Next up, he was given an opportunity to help start an extended care for a substance abuse facility where he served as the live-in house manager and tech. In 2017, Winter relocated to Dallas and took a job as the 12-Step/alumni coordinator at a residential substance abuse treatment center. He spent four years there before moving to Arizona for his current role at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare.

In addition to his role as an alumni outreach specialist, Winter is also pursuing a master’s in social work. His own recovery story began when he was just 17. After multiple residential treatment stays and getting heavily involved in the 12-Step process, he is extremely passionate about sharing the gift of recovery he was given. His personal experience informs the work he does every day, acting as a resource and support to alumni, coordinating commencement events at the Wickenburg campuses, and facilitating alumni support and Education groups.

Winter says one of his favorite parts of his job is being able to see a person come into treatment broken and in pain and watch them transform their life into something they could have never imagined. When not busy working, he takes part in 12-Step fellowships and sponsors other men. Meditation and other spiritual disciplines are also very important to him, he enjoys working out, and he’s currently teaching himself to cook and play guitar (“because my drums are too loud for the neighbors”).

A Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor-intern with a bachelor’s degree in social work, Justin McNeely is pursuing a master’s degree in social work from his alma mater, University of Texas in…

A Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor-intern with a bachelor’s degree in social work, Justin McNeely is pursuing a master’s degree in social work from his alma mater, University of Texas in his hometown of Arlington. An alumni outreach specialist at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, he has also worked as a counselor at Samaritan House where he provided services and resources for clients affected with HIV/AIDS in Fort Worth, Texas. Other roles include peer support/recovery coach/recovery advocate at MHMR in Fort Worth and alumni specialist at Texas Health Recovery and Wellness Center.

McNeely has a personal history of recovery that includes multiple stays in residential treatment. Fortunately, others loved him until he could love himself, and he got involved in the recovery community, pursuing a 12-Step sponsor and finding a program. He soon realized he wanted to help others as a way to give back. In his current role he provides a continuation of care to those who have completed an MBH program, offering support and hope by utilizing active listening and encouraging alumni to persevere and build the village of support that he so desperately needed.

When not working, McNeely can be found hiking, camping, learning, appreciating life and where he is today, surrounded by family, friends, and the mountains.