Our Team
Kathleen Hawkins, Co-Founder
My name is Kathleen Hawkins and I am a person in long-term recovery. My passion for this project comes from my personal and professional life. I have a Master's in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor's in Social Work from Norfolk State University. I have worked in a variety of settings with families with children. I have worked within the child welfare system, the education system, and in multiple clinical settings.
Many of the people that I love have lived in sober living homes after treatment to support their recovery. While working at an adolescent substance abuse treatment facility, I observed that this was not an option for teens leaving treatment, but one that was desperately needed.
As a social worker, I learned that if the service that people need doesn't exist, you build it.
Ella Peels, Co-Founder
My drive for this project comes from my confidence in the fact that I would not be in long-term recovery today without sober living and a twelve-step program. It was critical in the maintenance of my own recovery after leaving treatment. I want the resources that I had in early sobriety to be accessible to anybody and at any age.
My passion lies in helping children become strong adults. My work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (i.e., CASA) helps me to understand the unique challenges of nurturing adolescents with special needs. This work has also deepened my empathy for individuals who have had a rough start to life.
I hold a Bachelor's Degree from St. John's College, and am pursuing a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology.
I am dedicated to using my experience with this disease and my education to uplift those currently unsupported by our recovery system.
Alicia Williams is the CEO of You Turn Behavioral Health Services, LLC, where she leads with vision, empathy, and a deep commitment to community healing. Her career has been dedicated to creating safe, supportive spaces for individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges—particularly youth and underserved populations. Under her leadership, You Turn has evolved into a trusted resource that not only offers clinical support, but also empowers individuals to reclaim their lives through compassion, evidence-based practices, and intentional care.
Alicia’s passion for youth recovery and her experience building impactful mental health programs make her an ideal fit for the board of Youth Recovery Housing Solutions. With a strong belief in meeting people where they are, she brings expertise in nonprofit leadership, behavioral health systems, and community collaboration. Her ability to listen deeply, advocate powerfully, and lead with heart reflects the mission of Youth Recovery Housing Solutions—supporting young people in their journey toward healing and long-term recovery.
