Plugged In Recovery: A Journey of Passion, Purpose, and Expansion
A Vision Becomes Reality
By, Wade Muhlhauser, CEO/Founder - Plugged In Recovery
When I reflect on the journey of Plugged In Recovery, it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come in such a short period of time. What started as a vision rooted in my own experiences and passion for helping others has evolved into something much greater than I could have ever imagined.
In September of 2022, I took a leap of faith and purchased my first sober living home. It was a risk, but one I knew was worth taking. The need for high-quality sober living environments was undeniable, and I was determined to create a space where individuals in recovery could rebuild their lives with structure, support, and accountability.
The Power of Family: My Father’s Role & impact
Shortly after opening that first home, my father, Wade Sr., made a life-changing decision—he moved to Arizona to help me grow this dream. Having him by my side during those early days was invaluable. His wisdom, patience, and unwavering support helped lay the foundation for what Plugged In Recovery would become. With his guidance on the day-to-day operations of sober living, I was able to focus on the bigger picture—expansion and impact.
Expanding Our Reach: Female Sober Living Homes
A few months later, we opened our first female sober living home. It was then that Dezarae Gonzales, or as we all call her, Dez, joined us. From the moment she stepped in, it was clear that she shared our passion and commitment. She brought an incredible level of dedication and empathy to the team, quickly becoming an integral part of our mission. Today, she oversees all of our sober living operations while also serving as Director of HR at our treatment center.
Building a Community – Not Just a Business
As the months passed, Plugged In Recovery continued to grow. We weren’t just opening sober living homes—we were cultivating a movement, a safe haven where individuals could find not just shelter but true support. Every home we opened became more than just a residence; it became a place of healing, of second chances, and of transformation. We recognized early on that true recovery requires more than just a roof over one’s head—it demands connection, accountability, and a community that uplifts one another through every challenge.
We built a network of support that extends beyond our homes, embracing residents as family and ensuring that no one walks the path of recovery alone. The people we serve aren’t just names on a roster or tenants in a program; they are individuals with stories of resilience, courage, and hope. They are fighters, reclaiming their lives one day at a time, and it has been our greatest honor to walk beside them on this journey.
Fast forward to today, and Plugged In Recovery has expanded to 13 sober living homes. This growth has not come without its challenges, but every obstacle has strengthened our resolve. We’ve learned, adapted, and refined our approach to ensure that each home provides the structure, resources, and care necessary to foster lasting recovery. The journey has been marked by moments of triumph, instances of struggle, and countless stories of success, all of which fuel our continued expansion and commitment to those in need. A network of support. A family. The people we serve aren’t just residents; they are individuals fighting for a second chance, and it has been our honor to walk alongside them in their journey.
Elevating Care: Our Luxury Residential Treatment Center
In August 2024, we reached another milestone—opening a 10-bed luxury residential treatment center. This was a significant step in fulfilling our vision of providing full-spectrum care to individuals battling addiction. We knew that sober living was just one component of the recovery process, and to make a lasting impact, we needed to offer a more comprehensive approach. This treatment center was designed to be more than just a facility; it was built to be a sanctuary where individuals could embark on their healing journey with dignity, structure, and unwavering support.
This expansion was not only about increasing our capacity but also about elevating the quality of care we provide. We have curated a highly skilled team of professionals who are dedicated to ensuring that each individual receives personalized treatment. Our program integrates evidence-based therapies, holistic wellness practices, and a structured yet compassionate environment to address the root causes of addiction.
A key factor in our ability to scale efficiently while maintaining high standards of care has been leveraging my background in corporate SaaS sales. The principles I learned in the corporate world—such as strategic scaling, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making—have allowed Plugged In Recovery to expand rapidly without compromising on quality. Recovery programs often struggle to balance growth with effectiveness, but by implementing structured processes, clear communication, and innovative strategies, we have been able to ensure that every new addition to our network strengthens our mission rather than diluting it.
As Plugged In Recovery has grown, so too has the need for a strong leadership team to ensure our mission remains at the forefront of everything we do. The complexities of addiction treatment and sober living demand a dedicated and experienced team that can provide strategic direction, compassionate care, and operational excellence.
Our leadership team brings together individuals with diverse backgrounds, extensive experience, and a shared commitment to recovery. They work tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of our organization—from admissions to clinical care to program management—operates at the highest level.
With a clear vision and unwavering dedication, this team plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Plugged In Recovery. Their expertise and leadership ensure that we continue to provide a supportive, structured, and transformative environment for those seeking a new path in life.
Greg bravo – Executive director
Leading the way in our treatment center, Greg Bravo serves as our Executive Director. With years of experience in the recovery field, Greg has an unparalleled passion for helping individuals regain control of their lives. His expertise in operational leadership and client-centered care ensures that our treatment center functions with excellence and efficiency. Under his guidance, we continue to create a space where individuals receive top-tier support in their recovery journey.
jackie armstrong – clinical director
Jackie Armstrong, our Clinical Director, oversees all therapeutic services and ensures that our clients receive the highest level of clinical care. With an extensive background in mental health and addiction treatment, she is instrumental in shaping our evidence-based programs. Jackie’s commitment to individualized care helps clients address the underlying causes of addiction, empowering them to achieve lasting recovery.
Ryan Jongeward – Director of Admissions
At the forefront of bringing people into our program, Ryan Jongeward serves as our Director of Admissions. Ryan plays a critical role in making the transition into treatment seamless for individuals and families in crisis. His compassionate approach ensures that every client feels welcomed and understood from the very first interaction. His dedication to accessibility and clear communication has made Plugged In Recovery a trusted choice for those seeking help.
Heath McVicker – Assistant Executive Director
As Assistant Executive Director, Heath McVicker plays a vital role in overseeing the daily operations of our treatment center. His leadership ensures that all departments function seamlessly, allowing our clients to receive the best possible care. With a strong background in recovery and operations management, Heath is instrumental in maintaining the high standards that define Plugged In Recovery.
Dezarae Gonzales – Director of HR
A cornerstone of our team, Dezarae Gonzales serves as the Director of HR. Having been with Plugged In Recovery from the beginning, she brings unmatched dedication to ensuring our staff and operations run smoothly. Dez fosters a supportive work environment, oversees staffing and compliance, and ensures our team remains unified in our mission to serve those in recovery.
Jonah kanavel – Program Manager
Bringing structure and innovation to our programs, Jonah Kanavel serves as our Program Manager. Jonah plays a pivotal role in implementing treatment plans and ensuring that our programming remains effective, engaging, and transformative. His hands-on approach and ability to connect with clients foster an environment of trust and growth. Jonah’s leadership helps reinforce the core values that make Plugged In Recovery a place where true healing happens.
Our mission is far from complete. Every day, we strive to find new ways to serve the recovery community. Whether it’s expanding our sober living network, enhancing our treatment programs, or finding innovative ways to reach those who need help, our work is never done. Addiction doesn’t take a break, and neither do we.
For those who have supported us, believed in us, and trusted us with their recovery journey—thank you. Plugged In Recovery is more than just a business; it’s a movement. It’s a testament to what can happen when passion meets purpose. And as we look toward the future, I can confidently say—we’re just getting started.
If you or someone you know is seeking help, reach out. There is hope. There is a way forward. And at Plugged In Recovery, we’re here to walk that path with you.
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