Damien Browning
CEO, BHT
Damien Browning co-founded Steps to Recovery Homes, a 501c(3) Organization, in 2013 and currently holds the position of Executive Director. As a father of three sons, he has an Associate's degree in computer systems and applications and continues his studies at Northern Arizona University. On the road to a Bachelor's in Information Technology Management degree, he maintains a 3.90 GPA. Damien has won many awards during his school process, including the All Arizona Academic Team Scholarship in 2013 and the Yavapai Colleges Vice Presidents Award for Academic Excellence in 2013.Damien has been down some rough roads and has firsthand experience showing how to change. He has been in recovery since 2006. Damien has been a member of MATFORCE for the last six years and currently serves as a Reentry and Community Coach. He is active in service for a 12-step fellowship and in his community.Under Damien's leadership, Steps to Recovery Homes opened Miracles Happen Resale Store - Boutique Rehab. Proceeds from the sales support the mission of recovery.Damien also opened Konnect Wellness Center, which features compassionate, licensed therapists and a holistic, comprehensive curriculum for addiction recovery. The outpatient treatment center offers a supportive environment tailored to recovery.
Shelly Myers P.S.S, B.H.T
Shelly was a client in the Steps to Recovery Homes/ Konnect Wellness Center program and decided to become a Peer Support Specialist when she completed the program to help to carry the message of recovery to the next person in line like those that spread the message to her. She became a Behavioral Health Technician some months after that by learning more about the field and spending many precious hours with new clients as they came in, to help them through the tough times in life that she knew all too well. She shares her experience and has helped to present different solutions or suggestions to those willing enough to just listen. Shelly loves to spend time with loved one's, family and friends alike. She likes the great outdoors, all animals and will tell you like it is. Shelly feels that her purpose in life is to make everyone else's life just a little bit easier.
Lynne Sansom,Primary Therapist,
Lynne Sansom, Primary Therapist, began working in the substance abuse and mental health field in 2004 when she decided to "give back what was so freely given to her." Lynne volunteered in the sober living home she had completed in Prescott, AZ, in 2003. Lynne moved up the ladder, leading to employment by her sober living as a property manager, mentor, assistant house manager, and Treatment Center. Lynne continued to be of service throughout the Prescott Recovery community. After her first grandson was born, she became employed at West Yavapai Guidance Center as a BHT/Facilitator for many years until moving to Compass Recovery Center, where she practiced serving as a Primary Therapist for ten years. In 2022, Lynne moved to the Verde Valley into the home of her dreams. Throughout her years in the recovery community, she marveled at Damien Browning's unconditional love and servant heart as a result of attending yearly community fundraisers. Lynne always wanted to be a part of the fantastic community movement that Damien and his wife Anne began in the Verde Valley years ago to rebuild the lives of recovery addicts without a place to go, Steps to Recovery homes. Lynne had the opportunity to join the team at Steps and began working at the Konnect Wellness Center in 2024. Lynne continues her work as a primary therapist and case manager. Lynne's dream is to someday offer free therapy to all who desire her assistance to gain the opportunity to have a joy-filled life. Lynne specializes in inner child processing and has a desire to teach others how to move through grief without the use of a substance. She loves the outdoors, swimming, gardening, landscaping, and bird watching. Her passions are her siblings, children, grandchildren, and all the friends she has met in her journey of Love. Lynne's motto is "What you think about you bring about." Lynne has manifested a powerful life and testimony.
Nora Jenkins, MSCJ & Psy.M, Certified in Basic Accelerated Resolution Therapy aka as ART
Hello and blessings. My name is Nora Jenkins. I am the Lead Therapist with Konnect Wellness Center, Step to Recovery Homes. I hold two Master’s degrees. The first is a Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security, from which I graduated with honors. I am an Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society member. My second is a Master of Science in Psychology with honors. I feel drawn to both fields due to personal/family issues, as well as I saw a need to bridge the gap between criminal justice and mental health. Over the years, I have had the honor to work with many amazing individuals and families. I have many years of personal experience on how substance abuse and trauma go down the path together and that one helps numb the other. I was an IV crank user, along with marijuana and alcohol. I am blessed to say I got help and have been maintaining sobriety since January 15, 1988. I continue to learn from my clients and other training that addresses the person and where they are. Meditation and essential oils/aromatherapy are beneficial and create a more holistic approach to finding inner peace and resolving conflicts. My Team of wonderful, caring, and understanding staff and I are here for you! You are not alone!
Clinical Director: Maureen "Mo" Michael, MS LPC ICGC-I LPC, ICGC-I
Maureen "Mo" Michael, LPC, ICGC-I, started working in the treatment field in 2008 when she first started as a residential house manager. Mo comes to Konnect Wellness with various skills in both the administrative and clinical side of treatment. She is an LPC and has been working with patients and families who have been affected by substance abuse disorders and problem gambling for over 14 years. Her last ten years she spent dedicated to bridging the gap and increasing services for those affected by substance abuse disorders and gambling disorders in the treatment industry and criminal justice system. Mo began her own journey in recovery in 2007 and believes that working with others to recover from addiction is her calling. Some of Mo's favorite things are the love of the outdoors, playing softball, cooking, and spending time with her husband, kids, and grandkids. Mo believes the key to life is having "An attitude of Gratitude."
Steven Karp, DO, FACN
Steven Karp, DO, FACN serves Experience Recovery as Chief Medical Officer, treating clients who struggle with eating disorders, substance use, and mental health issues. Dr. Karp, a certified Addiction Psychiatrist since 1991, graduated Cum Laude from Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture before going to medical school at the prestigious Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internship in Philadelphia and then continued with a residency in Psychiatry at Norristown State Hospital. Formerly Chief Medical Officer at Palm Beach Institute, Dr. Karp spent ten years directing psychiatry and medical care at Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders in Wickenburg, Arizona. Dr. Karp is a seasoned thought leader in behavioral health and holds a subspecialty in Addiction Psychiatry through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Karp is triple Board certified in addiction, adult, and geriatric psychiatry and brings over thirty years of experience treating addiction and eating disorders. Dr Karp combines psychiatric training, empathic listening, and motivational interviewing to support people in moving toward lasting change.
Quinton Ellis, BHT, PSS, Career Development Coordinator
Raised in southeastern New Mexico, Quinton Ellis, AA, BHT, PSS, has an agricultural background. Quinton is a Steps to Recovery Homes Alumni who believes in the quality of care he received as a client. Subsequently, he is dedicated to providing the same care as a staff member. As a Yavapai College student, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business. In his free time, Quinton practices for and competes in rodeos. With five years of experience in the field, Quinton is a dedicated addiction treatment professional. His experiences enable him to empower numerous individuals to embrace their potential, align with their purpose, and create a positive ripple effect.Under Damien's leadership, Quinton is a key force in Steps to Recovery Homes Miracles Happen Resale Store—Boutique Rehab. Proceeds from the sales support the recovery mission.
Cory Goss, BHT, PSS, House Supervisor
I am a native of Arizona who has been through the Steps to Recovery Homes program. Being a peer is among the most rewarding things I have ever done. Sharing my life experiences to help others know there is hope and that it is possible to change their life! I have become a responsible adult who is an active member of society. I can't tell you how AMAZING it feels to have a savings account with money. My goal next is to meet the right woman and start a family together based on the fundamentals of recovery.
Katie Brown, BHT, PSS
Katie is a native of Arizona, born and raised in Phoenix until her family relocated up to Northern AZ at the age of 7. She has raised two beautiful children and now is the proud grandmother to 2 amazing grandchildren. Although Katie struggled with addiction for many years, she was finally able to surrender and allow God to help her find her way to recovery. She is a grateful Steps to Recovery Homes alum and now gets to share her experience, strength, and hope with others on their recovery journeys. Katie wears many hats at STRH, including Assistant to the Operations Manager, Coordinator for the Connection Room event center, Behavioral Health Tech, and Peer Support Specialist. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves attending church. As she grows spiritually, her strengthened relationship with God allows her to be a beacon of hope for others.
Daniel Ramos, PSS
I'm 65, retired, and have been clean and sober for 16 years. I was raised in foster care in Los Angeles County. I have a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from U.C.L.A. I am Native American, Navajo, and Mexika, and I have been very involved with my culture and ceremonies for the last ten years. I've been living in Cottonwood for a little over two years now. I have two adult children and five grandchildren in San Bernardino County, California.
I have over 40 years of Social Work experience in direct and related career and community service fields. Those careers involved about 18 years of public service in Los Angeles County as a Deputy Probation Officer with the Probation Department, supervising and documenting case notes of juveniles working in institutions, Supervising Children's Social Workers and Children's Social Worker series for the Department of Children and Family Services and a Parole Agent, for California Department of Corrections, supervising felons released from State Prison and providing rehabilitation supervision and services for them in the community.
I spent another 18 years working in the Labor Movement for Service Employees International Union as a Representative and Advocate for L.A. County employees. My duties involved contract enforcement, contract negotiations, coordinating campaigns, and a couple of years as a Statewide Political Director in California.
I've sat on numerous non-profit boards, largely involved with either children, the elderly, or physically and mentally challenged community organizations. I am currently still on the Board of VELA in East Los Angeles. I met Damien Browning through my past sponsor, Wayne Greer, when he invited me to attend 'life coaching' sessions at the men's house. Mr. Greer passed away last year, and I've continued to carry on his 'life coaching' commitment. In so doing, I also sponsor 2 to 4 men at the house at any time and work with them weekly. I love the work being done at STRH, and I'm also very committed to doing whatever, small or large, to see its continuing success, growth, and development.