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ABOUT FSARR

At FSARR, we are on a mission to support individuals on their path to recovery from addiction(s). Our dedication is unwavering as we ensure access to high-quality recovery residences in Delaware, aligning with national standards set forth by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR).

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Our Team

Andrew Thurn

Executive Director

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Sarah Simpkins

Compliance Coordinator

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Jackson Carter

Program Coordinator

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board members

Domenica Personti

Board President

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Julia Lawes

Board Vice President

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Erik Raser-Schramm

Treasurer

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Sue Harris

Secretary

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Lisa Johnson

Member at Large

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WHO WE ARE

We are a dedicated organization that works tirelessly to ensure access to high-quality recovery residences in Delaware, aligning with national standards set forth by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). Through education, public awareness, advocacy, and implementation of these standards, we strive to foster a supportive and nurturing environment for individuals seeking recovery.

OUR MISSION

At FSARR, our mission is clear and resolute. We are devoted to supporting individuals in their recovery by promoting access to recovery residences across Delaware that meet the rigorous standards defined by NARR. We firmly believe that a safe, supportive, and recovery-focused living environment can be the cornerstone of successful recovery journeys.

OUR VISION

We envision a future where every individual in recovery has access to safe, supportive, and well-regulated recovery residences that adhere to national standards. By working collaboratively with stakeholders, policymakers, and the community, we seek to create a recovery-focused Delaware where compassion, understanding, and accessibility to recovery support services are at the forefront.

Andrew Thurn

Executive Director

Andrew Thurn (He/Him) champions the belief that recovery is a fundamental right, not a privilege. With a strong conviction that everyone deserves a dignified place to live during their recovery journey, Andrew stands as a testament to the power of resilience and hope. As a person in long-term recovery himself, he is deeply integrated into the Delaware recovery community, contributing both his experience and skill set.

Andrew's professional path in this field began at the Delaware Psychiatric Center, where he made significant strides as a Peer Specialist. His commitment and expertise led him to the role of Peer Services Administrator within the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. In this capacity, Andrew spearheaded the statewide implementation of various peer support models and took charge of programmatic oversight, significantly enhancing the landscape of peer services.

Before joining FSARR as the Executive Director, Andrew dedicated his skills to the role of Behavioral Health Coordinator for Delaware's Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. He was a pivotal figure in the Behavioral Health Consortium, focusing on advancing comprehensive health policies. Additionally, Andrew played a key role in the Delaware Governors Challenge, a national initiative aimed at reducing suicide rates among service members and veterans, under the auspices of Lt. Governor Hall-Long.

Andrew's journey reflects his unwavering commitment to recovery and mental health advocacy, marking him as a visionary leader in the field.

Sarah Simpkins

Compliance Coordinator

Sarah (Simpkins) commenced her professional journey at The Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. Serving as an administrative supervisor for Statewide Bridge Clinics, she played a pivotal role in supporting and enhancing services. Sarah, a proud alumna of Limen House, is personally acquainted with the transformative impact of secure housing during early sobriety, a belief she holds dear.

Having navigated her own recovery journey, Sarah is actively engaged in the Delaware recovery community. Her dedication stems from a profound understanding of the challenges faced by those struggling with mental health or addiction. Emphasizing the importance of recovery housing in the initial stages of sobriety, she advocates for its integral role.

Sarah's passion for giving back extends beyond her professional pursuits. In addition to her administrative contributions, she and her husband share a love for adopting animals with unique needs. Their household includes two three-legged cats and another with a congenital condition known as swimmers legs, which required dedicated physical therapy during infancy for the feline to walk. Sarah's commitment to both the administrative and compassionate aspects of her work reflects her belief in the significance of lived experience across all facets of the mental health and substance abuse field.

Jackson Carter

Program Coordinator

Jackson Carter is a 23-year-old professional with three years of experience in the recovery field. As someone in long-term recovery from drug and alcohol abuse, Jackson brings a deeply personal understanding and passion to his work. His journey has not only fueled his commitment to helping others but has also provided him with invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of those in recovery.

Currently serving as the Program Coordinator for FSARR, Jackson is dedicated to supporting individuals on their recovery journey through innovative programming and compassionate care. His role involves coordinating services, managing recovery support systems, and ensuring that individuals receive the resources and guidance they need to thrive in their recovery.

With a strong foundation in both personal experience and professional expertise, Jackson is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others, helping them achieve lasting recovery and reclaim their lives.

 

Domenica Personti

Co-Chair

Domenica Personti brings over two decades of dedicated experience to the behavioral health field, blending personal insight from her long-term recovery journey with a solid academic foundation. As the CEO and founder of Impact Life, Ms. Personti is committed to supporting individuals on their journey to wellness with compassion and understanding.

With a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and specialized training in Addictions, Harm Reduction, Criminal Justice, Advocacy, and Public Policy, Ms. Personti has cultivated a comprehensive skill set. She holds licenses and certifications including Chemical Dependency Professional, Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Co-Occurring Disorders Professional-Diplomat, and Prevention Specialist.

Ms. Personti is deeply passionate about advocating for individuals facing addiction and mental health challenges. Her ability to connect authentically with those she serves has been instrumental in her success. Through her leadership at Impact Life, she has spearheaded programs focused on holistic healing and community empowerment.

In addition to her professional commitments, Ms. Personti actively engages in advocacy efforts to promote systemic change and equitable access to mental health and addiction services. Her dedication to social justice underscores her commitment to making a positive impact within the behavioral health field and beyond.

Julia Lawes

Member at Large

Julia Lawes, MS, is the Executive Director for the Delaware Drug Overdose Fatality Review Commission at the Delaware Department of Justice. Ms. Lawes has over two decades of experience in government administration, policy development and analysis, and Substance Use Disorder research and program development. With more than 11 years of sobriety, Ms. Lawes is also a woman in long-term recovery.

Ms. Lawes earned her Master of Science in Administration of Human Services in 2014, and her bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from Wilmington University in 2008. She was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, where she currently resides with her daughter.

Erik Raser-Schramm

Treasurer

Erik Raser-Schramm received his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Geneseo in Elementary and Special Education in 1999 and went on to serve two years as an AmeriCorps*VISTA, first for the Colorado Dept of Education then the Delaware Mentoring Council.

Erik is a certified forest therapy guide and manages their 10-acre farm in southern New Castle County where he resides with his husband Jonathan and their three children; Isaac, Elijah and Abram.

From 2012 - 2017 Erik was Managing Partner of the Twelve Seven Group, a consulting group that focused on grassroots organizing, issue advocacy and fundraising. From November of 2020 - January of 2023 Erik served as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer.

After a successful 21-year career in government and politics, Erik has spent the last two years focused on his wellness and sobriety journey while supporting others on their own journeys.

Sue Harris

Secretary

Sue Harris, C.A.D.C., C.C.D.P., is a Penn State graduate, and has been professionally involved in the addictions field for over 30 years. She is honored to serve as the Secretary for FSARR, and will continue to work with the rest of the board to provide resources and support for recovery homes. As the Treatment Services Director for Thresholds, Inc., in Georgetown, Delaware, Sue is responsible for the clinical and administrative integrity of the education and treatment programs offered by Thresholds, Inc. She focuses on improving the quality of care offered to the community; advocating for effective practices and partnering with her team and the community. As part of her work at Thresholds, Inc., Sue spearheaded opening a NARR Level 2 sober living house for men.

Lisa Johnson

Member at Large

Lisa Johnson is the founder of HEALTHe Insights, a consulting firm that helps behavioral health and human service organizations solve operational challenges, leverage technology, and apply analytics to drive practical, data-informed improvements. With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare and public health strategy, program design, and system transformation, she brings deep knowledge of how to align policy goals with frontline delivery.

Lisa has led major statewide initiatives and works across sectors to strengthen infrastructure for recovery and community-based care.