Sync Recovery Community:
Building a Bright Future Together

Sync Recovery Community is on an exciting path toward growth and innovation, fueled by our dedication to empowering individuals on their recovery journeys. Here’s a glimpse into our plans for the future:

  • Expanding Resources: We’re actively pursuing grants, government funding, and personal giving campaigns to strengthen our programs and extend support to even more individuals. These investments will help us expand services and reach underserved areas.
  • Regional Growth: Sync Recovery aims to bring its life-changing programs to new communities. By broadening our footprint, we can ensure that recovery support is accessible to more people across the region.
  • Volunteer Development: Volunteers are the heart of our mission. We’re enhancing training and engagement opportunities to empower our dedicated team and attract new, passionate individuals to join our cause.
  • Strengthening Collaboration: By forging partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders, we’ll create a robust network of recovery resources, fostering innovation and shared success.
  • Modernizing Technology: Embracing updated technologies will allow us to improve communication, streamline operations, and enhance program delivery, ensuring we remain at the forefront of recovery support.

Sync Recovery’s future is bright because of the passion and dedication of our community. Together, we’re creating an inclusive and sustainable network where recovery thrives.

Let’s grow together—
join us on this journey!

How would you like to be a part of our efforts?

There are primarily three ways can help Sync Recovery continue to grow and serve our community:

  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Corporate Sponsorship
  • Financial Support

Your support can help us do more, reach more, and serve better. Let’s talk about how you can be part of that. We’ll be ready when you call.

(610) 651-0707

Sync Recovery places great value on people power. Volunteers bring their unique gifts and experience both behind the scenes and by offering direct peer support to participants. You can get involved with several committees or help by leading events and spreading the word, or you can ask about joining our Board of Directors.

Service Committees
Board Members

Sync Recovery is on a mission to help change the stigma of recovery and help individuals in our community live a recovery lifestyle. Corporate support helps build a stronger workforce. Corporate Sponsors help us provide more substantial programming and make a more significant impact each year. Join us to change the stigma of recovery, improve the workforce and save lives.

As with many non-profit organizations, Sync Recovery depends on the generosity of our community. Your gift helps us reach more people and expand the locations we can offer our peer support services. Thank you in advance as you witness the impact and integrity of our work.

Make a Gift

Meet some of our volunteers

Meet the individuals who help bring our community to life. Through their time, energy, and spirit of service, they create opportunities for connection, fun, and personal growth—showing how recovery can be both meaningful and enjoyable.

Michelle

Volunteer
About Me

Mary

Volunteer
About Me

Patty

Volunteer
About Me

Bobby

Volunteer
About Me

Alixx

Volunteer
About Me

Betty Jo

Volunteer
About Me

Take the Next Step

Ready to experience it for yourself? Join us at an upcoming event or create your profile to get started.

Create My Profile

Meet our Board of Directors

Get to know the leaders guiding Sync’s vision for a thriving recovery community. Their commitment ensures that everything we do supports connection, purpose, and a more fulfilling experience in recovery.

Laura Waits

Founder, Executive Director
About Me

John R. Gailey, III

Board Chair
About Me

Tim Hunter

Secretary
About Me

Damon Massado

Vice President
About Me

Abigail Weiss

Board Member
About Me

Tara Calderbank

Board Member
About Me

William Stauffer

Board Member
About Me

Meet our Staff

Learn about the people who make it all happen behind the scenes. Their passion and dedication help create welcoming experiences that bring people together—supporting a recovery journey rooted in connection, growth, and joy.

Heather Barna Dowling

Director of Peer Support
About Me

Catherine Campanaro

Administrative Coordinator
About Me

Danielle Jerant

Administrative Assistant
About Me
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Michelle

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Sync has affected my recovery in such a positive way. It’s given me a place to go and things to do with people who are working on their sobriety and recovery, just like me.

Why do you think being a part of this community is essential?

I think it’s important to focus on the things you can do, instead of the things you can no longer do. Sync gives you the opportunity to explore what you like and don’t like, which is really meaningful.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

Sync offers such a wide variety of activities. I’ve taught line dancing and vision board workshops, and there are also outdoor events and so much more. There are so many options—there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy with others in recovery.

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

Other Sync members, especially Danielle, motivated me to get involved. I just wanted to be a part of something so positive. I like to joke that I’m like Julie, the cruise director from The Love Boat—I get to do things I love, share them with others, and I don’t have to be a certified instructor. They let me do it anyway—and I can’t even get fired! It’s really amazing.

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

What I find most rewarding is the people who show up and the genuine commitment Sync has to supporting those in recovery. I never feel shame or guilt here—ever—and that means everything to me.

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Mary

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Sync has affected my recovery by opening doors and exposing me to experiences I never would have had otherwise. It’s pushed me beyond my comfort zone in the best way. I’ve met incredible people, made a lot of new friends, and had so many meaningful experiences. Being part of a community of people in recovery—sharing those experiences and good times together—has truly enhanced my recovery.

Why do you think being a part of this community is essential?

Being part of this community is essential for me because it keeps me out of isolation. The antidote to isolation is connection, and Sync provides that. It connects me with really good people, and I don’t feel alone anymore. Isolation can be dangerous for people in recovery, so having this kind of connection is incredibly important.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

What makes Sync unique is the fun. A lot of people come into recovery thinking it’s the end of their life—that there’s no more fun ahead. But Sync shows you that’s not true. It’s not just meetings and diners—it’s getting out, doing things, being with people, and genuinely enjoying life. That was unexpected for me. Now, I’m having more fun than ever.

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

I was inspired by the people who came before me in Sync. When I met Laura and saw how passionate she was about the community, I was hooked. Her enthusiasm and belief in what Sync offers really drew me in.

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

For me, the most rewarding and enjoyable activities are the ones outdoors—hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping. Being in nature with others in recovery is something I truly value.

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Patty

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Sync has become a vital part of my recovery. It surrounds me with like-minded people, where I feel safe, supported, and understood.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

Sync gives people in recovery the opportunity to engage in activities they may have never tried before, helping them discover new interests and ways to enjoy life.

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

I fell in love with everything Sync stands for, and I knew I could fully stand behind its vision.

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

For me, it’s the service work. Being able to give back what was so freely given to me is incredibly important and deeply meaningful.

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Robert White

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Sync has affected my recovery in so many ways—and it still does. It’s shown me that recovery can be fun, not just meetings, even though meetings are part of Sync too. I’ve been able to build deeper connections with people more quickly through the events.

Now, I both attend and facilitate meetings and activities, and I really enjoy being creative in the events I help bring to life for others.

Why do you think being a part of this community is essential?

Being part of this community is essential to my recovery because it gives me a way to give back. It’s a form of service. Through events and activities, you can reach people in a meaningful way—sometimes without even needing to say anything. Just being together, doing something positive, brings joy into people’s lives and shows them what recovery can look like.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

What makes Sync unique is the versatility of the events. Volunteers are empowered to create experiences based on their own interests and passions, which makes it really special. It’s also very inclusive—my friends, sober allies, and even my kids can participate. That sense of inclusion really sets Sync apart.

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

I was first introduced to Sync through a suggestion from another volunteer early in my recovery, shortly after leaving rehab. I went to a rock climbing event and immediately connected with the mission. I loved being around the people and the volunteers, and I knew right away this was something I wanted to be part of and continue doing.

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

For me, a big part of it is stepping outside my comfort zone. I’ve been able to try things I’ve always wanted to do, with people there to guide and support me.

As a facilitator, it’s incredibly rewarding to see others do the same—to watch someone push past their fears, accomplish something new, and see the smile on their face afterward. It also gives me something to look forward to—time spent with others in recovery, doing meaningful things together.

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Alixx Cook

I got involved with Sync a few years ago as a participant. I fell in love with the organization and became a volunteer in May 2022.

I am now a member of the Event Planning Committee and the Volunteer Development Committee, and I facilitate and co-facilitate recovery adventures.

Sync has added to my life by building my community with people who enjoy having fun in sobriety.

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Betty Jo

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Sync has given me a place outside of the rooms to engage in recovery-related activities. It’s expanded what recovery looks like for me.

Why do you think being a part of this community is essential?

I think it’s important that Sync includes not only people in recovery, but also allies—people who have been affected by substance use in their lives. That broader sense of community makes a real difference.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

Sync offers activities beyond the typical “meeting and diner” routine. It provides opportunities to do meaningful, healthy things—often with family included. That’s really important to me, because I want to spend time with my family while also supporting my recovery.

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

A friend introduced me to Sync, and I was immediately drawn to the variety of activities. It felt like a great way to connect with others while doing things I enjoy.

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

I really appreciate the variety—there’s something for everyone. For me, Sync also helps remove the stigma around recovery. It shows that there’s nothing “wrong” with us—we’re people who have faced challenges, like so many others.

What Sync puts out into the world is that we can still have fun, come together, and be part of a healthy, supportive community—and that’s incredibly meaningful.

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Laura Waits

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Sync has affected my recovery in so many ways—and it still does. It’s shown me that there’s a fun side to recovery beyond just meetings, even though meetings are part of Sync too. I’ve been able to form deeper connections with people more quickly through the events. I also both attend and facilitate activities, and I really value the opportunity to be creative and help create meaningful experiences for others.

Why do you think being a part of this community is essential?

Being part of this community is essential to my recovery because it gives me a way to give back. It’s my form of service. Through events and shared experiences, we can reach people in meaningful ways—sometimes without even saying a word. Just being together and doing something positive can bring joy into someone’s life and show them what recovery can look like.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

What makes Sync unique is the versatility of its events. Volunteers are empowered to create activities based on their own interests and passions, which allows us to reach people in different ways. It’s also very inclusive—friends, sober allies, and even family members can participate. Kids come to events, and that sense of inclusion makes a big difference.

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

I believe it was God’s plan. I felt called to be part of something like this.

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

The most rewarding part for me is seeing new people come to Sync and realize that recovery can be fun. Watching them discover that it’s not boring or a chore—but something enjoyable and inspiring—is incredibly meaningful to me.

For me, nature has always been where I connect with my higher power, and sharing those experiences with others in recovery feels incredibly spiritual and grounding.

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John R. Gailey, III

John was elected a director in 2023. He also serves as Chair of the Board and Chair of the Governance Committee. Before retiring in 2015, John served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. A passionate supporter of recovery from use disorders, he served on the Chester County Drug and Alcohol Advisory Council and has been active in several volunteer recovery-support organizations, including Kacie’s Cause and Chester County PRO-ACT.

John is an avid woodworker and a music lover who continues to play the drums. He lives in Malvern with his wife, JoEllen Berger, their two dogs, Cherry and Bella, and their cat, Biscuit. After many years of sobriety, their son Alex died of an overdose in May 2022 at age 29.

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Tim Hunter

Tim Hunter was elected a director in 2023. He also serves as Chair of the Programming and Advocacy Committee. Before retiring in 2019, Tim served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Radian Guaranty Inc., a Philadelphia-based mortgage insurance company. He has also served on other non-profit boards, including CLARIFI and the Committee of 70.

Tim has been in recovery since 2021. He lives in South Philadelphia and is active in the Philadelphia recovery community.

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Abigail Weiss

Abigail Weiss graduated from Moravian University in 2025 with a Bachelor’s of Public Health, where she tailored her education to focus significantly on substance use and harm reduction. She completed an honors-level research study titled “The Psychological Impact of Parental Substance Use on College Students,” allowing her to dive deeper into an understudied topic. She presented her findings at the Collaborative Perspectives on Addiction conference and the National Conference of Undergraduate Research.

She currently works at Skylands Family Support, a support coordination agency in NJ serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here, she works closely with the executive team, ensuring adequate compliance throughout the agency, as well as crafting professional-level agency used checklists and documents.

Abigail also works with the Fight Fentanyl campaign in Monroe County, an organization born from Pennsylvania’s Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI) program. She is the host of their podcast “A Dose of Reality”, highlighting the experiences of people in recovery, the services available for individuals with substance use disorders, and the ways in which substance use impacts the whole family.

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Tara Calderbank

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Sync has affected my life in a very positive way—not just my recovery, but my whole life. Even after decades in recovery, Sync introduced me to new experiences and opportunities I never would have explored otherwise.

Through Sync, I discovered things about myself—like my love for running and being in nature. I’ve developed new skills and found new passions. It’s truly expanded my world in a meaningful way.

Why do you think being a part of this community is essential?

For me, this community is essential because it allows me to both receive and give back. I’m involved as a participant, volunteer, and board member, and each role gives me a different way to contribute.

Whether it’s facilitating events, supporting programming and advocacy efforts, or helping with overdose prevention initiatives, I’m able to be of service while also growing personally.

At the same time, being part of this community connects me with incredible people who enhance my quality of life. There’s a real sense of reciprocity here—we support one another, learn from one another, and grow together.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

I see Sync as a recovery pathway in itself. While many recovery community organizations exist, Sync is unique in the way it integrates activities, inclusive recovery meetings, and resources into a full lifestyle.

What we offer goes beyond a traditional model—it’s not just something you attend occasionally, it’s something you can truly live. For some people, Sync can be a complementary part of their recovery, but for others, it can serve as their primary pathway.

You don’t have to be part of a specific program to belong here. Sync provides a complete, inclusive approach to recovery, and I think that’s something really important for more people to understand.

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

A snow tubing event first introduced me to Sync, something I’ve always wanted to try but never had the opportunity—and from there, I was hooked.

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

The connection with the people. The participants, volunteers, and my fellow directors on the board. I have a better quality of life because of the Sync Community.

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William Stauffer, LSW

William Stauffer is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance (PRO-A), the statewide recovery community organization of Pennsylvania. In long-term recovery since age 21, Bill has spent nearly four decades engaged in recovery support, workforce development, and public policy and systems reform aimed at improving long-term recovery outcomes.

An adjunct Professor of Social Work at Misericordia University, Bill is a nationally recognized speaker, trainer and writer. His work has helped shape recovery-related policy at both the state and federal levels, including testimony before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. In 2024, he was invited by William White to open the First National Conference on Addiction Recovery Science hosted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse by presenting White’s paper on the Frontiers of Recovery Research, intended to inform future recovery grounded research.

Bill lives in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Julie, and their three rescue dogs. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys photography, birdwatching, and spending time in the woods.

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Heather Barna-Dowling

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Sync has given me purpose in my recovery. It’s made me a better mom and has given me direction in my life.

Why do you think being a part of this community is essential?

Because it gives me purpose, direction, and a sense of being useful. It helps me feel like I matter and that I have something to offer.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

What makes Sync unique is that it shows you what comes next. After getting clean and sober, you’re often left wondering how to live life again—and Sync provides that answer through community.

It helps you rebuild relationships with friends and family. I’ve been able to reconnect with my children, my siblings, and my parents. I’ve learned how to be a friend again, a parent again, a part of a family again.

It also gives you the chance to discover who you are—what you enjoy, what you don’t, and how to live a full life. I’ve found a love for being outdoors, and I’ve also learned what isn’t for me. These are things I never had the opportunity to explore before recovery.

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

I was looking for connection. When I first came into recovery, I felt very disconnected because my previous environment wasn’t safe or healthy. I wanted to build friendships again and be part of a community—and Sync gave me a safe place to do that.

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

The opportunity to be of service to others is what I find most rewarding. I especially value being able to share with other single parents that they can bring their children, get sober, and stay sober. Being able to offer that hope—and help break the cycle of addiction for their children—is incredibly meaningful to me.

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Cathy Campanaro

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Sync has had a dramatic impact on my recovery. I had many years of sobriety, but I was starting to feel stale—restless and searching for something more, though I didn’t know what that was. When a friend introduced me to Sync, it brought life back into my recovery—renewed hope, excitement, and a vision for what my future in recovery could be.

Why do you think being a part of this community is essential?

For me, it’s essential because I’ve found people here who share the same commitment, vision, and hope for our community. Together, we’re helping to reshape how people view recovery—creating a more positive, accepting perspective.

It’s important to me to be part of something that shows the world that people in recovery are just like everyone else. This community keeps me connected, keeps me inspired, and reminds me every day that this is where I want to be and what I want to be part of growing.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

What makes Sync unique is the depth of connection it offers. This isn’t just a meeting or something you do once a week—it’s something you live. It provides a level of hope and connection that goes beyond traditional recovery spaces.

This is people choosing to show up for one another—not because they have to, but because they want to. It’s peers supporting peers, sharing what they’ve been given, and helping others experience the same. It truly reflects the idea of “giving it away to keep it.”

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

I started as a drum circle facilitator, and once I became part of the community, I was hooked. I just wanted more—I wanted to be more involved, more helpful, and give more of my time. I could see the impact it was having on others, and on me. It was something I genuinely wanted to be part of.

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

I find the outdoor activities especially meaningful. There’s something powerful about being in nature with others in recovery—hiking, kayaking, biking, paddle boarding, or even drumming outside.

For me, nature has always been where I connect with my higher power, and sharing those experiences with others in recovery feels incredibly spiritual and grounding.

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Danielle Jerant

How has Sync affected your recovery?

Covid was a deeply unstable time for me—mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically—which made staying sober especially challenging. That’s when I discovered Sync (or maybe Sync found me!). Through new experiences, meaningful connections, and a truly supportive community, Sync gave me exactly what I needed at the right time. I genuinely believe that Sync—and a bit of synchronicity—helped save my sobriety, and in turn, my life.

Why do you think being a part of this community is essential?

Being part of this community is essential because it offers the kind of connection, support, and growth that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s helped me build meaningful relationships, step out of my comfort zone, and stay grounded in recovery. The sense of belonging has strengthened my sobriety and boosted my mental health—making this community a vital part of my healing and growth.

What does Sync offer that is unique in the field of recovery?

Sync offers a multi-faceted, inclusive approach that brings people from all recovery paths together to improve overall quality of life. Centered around four core pillars—social connection, spirituality, health and wellness, and service—Sync supports the whole person, not just their sobriety.

What truly sets it apart is the variety of experiences it offers. Whether it’s outdoor adventures, retreat weekends, creative projects, mindfulness activities, skill-building, or volunteering, there’s something for everyone—making it easy to connect, grow, and thrive in meaningful ways.

What motivated you to get involved with Sync?

What motivated me to get involved with Sync was the immediate sense of belonging I felt at my very first event. Welcomed by light-hearted, supportive people, my nerves quickly turned into confidence – I knew I’d found my tribe. That natural high stuck with me, and I realized there’s no healthier “addiction” than connection. As someone who believes deeply in the power of service—and who tends to isolate—getting involved was a no-brainer. It keeps me grounded, connected, and “you gotta give it away to keep it!”

What aspects of Sync’s activities do you find most rewarding or enjoyable?

I love the safe, supportive space Sync creates—where I feel free to try new things, even if I’m not great at them. I get to connect with folks who get it—people in recovery or those who understand how real the struggle is and how important it is to stay on track. Even when I show up feeling socially anxious, I leave feeling proud—with a full heart and a big smile.

Somehow, being around this crew flips a switch in me—I show up introverted and leave a social butterfly. It’s like magic. The good kind.