Who We Are

Jean Devaney serves as the medical director at The Recovery Connection. She received her bachelor’s degrees in psychology and nursing from George Mason University. After working in mental health nursing for many years, she returned to earn her master's degree in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Shenandoah University. As a nurse practitioner, she is honored to travel alongside of people on their road to wellness and recovery. Treatment is truly a collaborative effort and Jean prides herself on working with individuals as partners in their healthcare. At The Recovery Connection, she found like minded people making a difference in others’ lives and immediately knew she had a home. 

Jean feels most at peace surrounded by her family, plants, animals, and nature. Her heart belongs to her children for whom she would move mountains. 

Favorite Inspirational Quote:

“Our lives have eternal significance and no one, absolutely no one, is expendable.” – Martin Bell

Katie is originally from upstate New York but has been living in Virginia since 2008. She has a busy life and is married with four children, a black lab, and a cat. Katie has a Master’s degree in clinical-counseling psychology from Radford University and she maintains a CSAC and CAADC. Outside of TRC, Katie spends most of her time with her family. She enjoys hanging out at the lake, watching sporting events, and stand-up comedy. Katie is passionate about person-centered care, admiring Carl Rogers and practicing Rogerian Therapy. She is very optimistic, empathetic, compassionate, and outgoing. She brings these qualities into her work at TRC, striving to provide heart-centered care for all. She believes that each individual holds innate potential for growth and goodness, and she strives to create an environment of empathy, support, and unconditional positive regard. While Katie is familiar with and fluent in twelve step programs, she supports any and all paths to recovery, recognizing that healthy connection to others is vital for continued sobriety. Katie is deeply committed to The Recovery Connection, its vision, mission, and values. She recognizes the systemic barriers to care for so many struggling with substance use disorder and believes that

What does TRC mean to me?

TRC is a step forward in opening quality, loving care for all who want it. As a person in long-term recovery, Katie knows personally the courage it takes to seek help and believes that each individual deserves the highest quality care in a safe and loving place. 

Favorite Inspirational Quote:

“See the light in others and treat them as if it’s all you see.” - Dr. Wayne Dyer 

Sarah Shade is the Interim Clinical Director at The Recovery Connection. She completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Carnegie Mellon University, and her master’s degree in Community Agency Counseling at George Mason University. Her role at The Recovery Connection is primarily focused on supervision of the clinical team, and she enjoys assisting the clinicians in developing skills to better serve clients. Sarah’s previous experience working with clients informs her viewpoint on recovery and mental health treatment alike. She believes that our past experiences shape our current issues more than anything else, and that the most profound and lasting changes occur when past wounds are confronted, processed, and healed. Sarah feels honored to walk alongside individuals completing such a journey. Sarah finds joy in making her friends laugh, spending way too much time and money on Lego sets, and making crafts and desserts the way her grandmother taught her.

What does TRC mean to me?

The Recovery Connection, above all else, feels like a safe space – for clients and staff alike. Here, we are all encouraged to grow, stretch our wings, and discover how to thrive. We’re even encouraged to stumble along the way, and to “Make Mistakes Out Loud”. TRC feels like home.

Favorite Inspirational Quote:

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” – John Lennon,

Beautiful Boy. (In other words: stay present, live in the moment, don’t let life pass you by)

Clara is a primary clinician at TRC. She studied psychology at Shenandoah University and was grateful to bring that passion to her position at TRC. She feels most passionately about making real connections with each client she encounters. Clara aims to help create a treatment environment that is loving and conducive to recovery and healing. For her, this means being a safe person for clients to come to when they need support and need to feel heard. This also means holding each client accountable and encouraging them to do their very best to fulfill the responsibilities and expectations of TRC. 

Outside of work, Clara most enjoys spending time with her partner – whether that be traveling or just hanging out at home with their two cats, Goose and Charles! She is passionate about self-care and mental health and incorporates many of the tools she shares with clients into her own life.

What TRC Means to Me?

"To me, the meaning of The Recovery Connection is in the name – "connection". So often, we hear that the opposite of addiction is connection, and in my time at TRC, I've come to find that to be so true. People are more likely to succeed in their goals, whatever they may be, when they have a support system they can rely on. At TRC, we provide exactly that. Not only can clients count on staff to show up for them, but we've worked hard to create a space where our clients can feel comfortable relying on each other as well."

My favorite inspirational quote:

"I said to the Sun, 'Tell me about the big bang.' The Sun said, 'It hurts to become.'" - Andrea Gibson, poet 

Meghan is Senior Clinician and a CSAC Supervisee.  She graduated from JMU Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Psychology, lived abroad, then found her way to Winchester in 2014, where she found freedom from active addiction and opened her own business.  Now she is pursuing her CSAC credential to join others in their journey of recovery as well.  

Her clinical approach is client-centered and values-guided; you matter and she wants to know what matters most to you.  Her desire for clients is that they feel heard, validated, and encouraged, and ultimately that they would experience the freedom that is within reach, with support.

Favorite Inspirational Quote:

“So you’re saying there’s a chance…” - Dumb & Dumber.  

Emalea Marks is the primary clinician at The Recovery Connection. Emalea was born and raised in Winchester Virginia and attended Shenandoah University where she earned her bachelor's degrees in Psychology. Emalea believes in a holistic approach to healing and strives to create an environment where every client feels seen and heard. Emalea enjoys connecting and spending time with each client and seeing the transformation they go through while in treatment.

Emalea currently resides in Winchester and 3 cats whom she love so dearly. When not at TRC Emalea is most likely to be found at home spending time with her family and snuggling her kitties. When not at home Emalea enjoys spending her time outdoors biking, hiking, and just being active.

What does TRC mean to me?

TRC is my passion, and it has allowed me to truly find myself, and continue to grow every day. TRC means making meaningful connections with others and helping our clients re-discover themselves in their recovery. 

Favorite Inspirational Quote: 

“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for a instant” -Henry David Thoreau

Jess is a Case Manager at The Recovery Connection, where she brings compassionate care to all clients. Born and raised in Winchester, VA, Jess earned dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Criminology from Shenandoah University. Her academic background equips her with an understanding of both behavioral science and the criminal justice system, enhancing her ability to support clients through their recovery journeys. Outside of her professional life, Jess is passionate about creative and recreational activities. She loves crocheting, roller skating, and spending quality time with her cats. Her commitment to both her work and personal interests reflects her holistic approach to well-being and recovery.

What does TRC mean to me?:

Two of my favorite values of TRC are "Be unapologetically you" and "Laugh, love, and lean in." I believe that TRC truly embodies these ideas in its support of all clients discovering who they truly are. TRC is a force that connects all who enter its doors. 

Favorite Inspirational Quote:

"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban