Alumni

MBH Onward … Because Staying Connected After Treatment Makes All the Difference

Treatment is just the beginning. Recovery is a lifelong journey, and we’ve seen firsthand how staying connected to those who’ve been there can make all the difference. That’s why our Meadows Behavioral Healthcare Alumni Association, MBH Onward, exists — to provide alumni of all MBH programs with ongoing resources and community to empower them to continue the work they began during treatment.

Research shows that the longer someone is engaged, the better their chance of long-term, successful recovery. We know that everyone’s needs are different. That’s why we offer a wide range of resources, programming, and opportunities to stay connected. So why not join us as we celebrate the shared experience of recovery?

The MBH Onward App

Our app is just for alumni of our programs, putting community, connection, and resources at your fingertips 24-7. MBH Onward includes inspiration, practical tips, interactive prompts that encourage engagement and accountability, a community who “gets it” to support you when you’re struggling, and access to original MBH articles, podcasts, and more. Available on both iOS and Android devices.

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Alumni Events

Focused on engagement and inspiration, these events are held at a variety of different locations across the country. Typically, a trusted local resource shares their expertise, delivering a recovery-related presentation followed by a hands-on expressive arts project or other creative activity. These Alumni Events are free of charge with the exception of Alumni Weekend.

Need a boost in your eating disorder recovery journey? Join us for our “Life Without Ed®” weekend workshop, held at our sister facility, Rio Retreat Center, in Wickenburg, Arizona.

Daily Virtual Groups

Announced through weekly email reminders, we offer opportunities to gather online with other alumni seven days a week. In addition to our popular Recovery Enhancement Groups, we’re expanding to include specialty topics, interactive recovery sessions, and meetings that follow a 12-Step format. As with other Alumni Association offerings, these groups are free to anyone who has completed an MBH program. [NOTE: As COVID restrictions are lifted, we will resume offering in-person options at our Meadows Outpatient Centers in Scottsdale, Dallas, and Silicon Valley.]

Alumni Newsletters

Our monthly online newsletters highlight various opportunities each month while offering encouragement to all alumni. There is also information about Meadows-trained therapists in your area, a mid-month connection affirmation email, details about upcoming Facebook Live events, and other recommendations. Oh, and rest assured that we’ll never share or sell your email address.

Social Media

Many MBH facilities are active on social media as well, allowing alumni to stay informed and find encouragement on Instagram and Facebook, so look for us online.

Staying connected after treatment fosters accountability and provides encouragement. Research shows that the longer someone is engaged the better their chances are of long-term, successful recovery.

Aleah Johnson
Director of Alumni Outreach and Development

Meet Your Connection to Alumni Support

Aleah Johnson

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.

Rosie Martinez
Alumni Outreach Specialist

Rosie Martinez

A fifth generation Arizona native, Rosie Martinez was born in Phoenix. Her most recent work experience was in the nonprofit sector, serving as the community director for notMYkid, an organization that provides children and families with lifesaving programs, support, resources, and education.

In her role as an alumni outreach specialist, Martinez works with alumni of all Meadows Behavioral Healthcare programs, hosting groups meetings and planning alumni retreats and events. While she’s the newest member of the Alumni Team, she’s already enjoying hearing everyone’s stories and witnessing the next chapter that each alum is writing for themselves. In mental health recovery therapy herself for more than seven years, she says she’s excited to be “working with an amazing team of individuals that have knowledge and experience within the behavioral health industry” who she can learn from.

Engaged and getting married in the fall of 2021, Martinez enjoys traveling in Arizona with her future husband and their two performance roping horses.