We’re thrilled to welcome Katie Ogden, a treatment advocate at Recovery Centers of America, to the show. After a powerful recovery journey of her own, she is now using her story to help others heal from addiction. She’s here today to share more about the unique programs offered by Recovery Centers of America, including their RESCU program, designed specifically for first responders and veterans.

Whether you're on your own recovery journey, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to understand addiction on a deeper level, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a reminder that recovery is possible, and that with the right support and mindset, anyone can reclaim their story. Tune in to be inspired by Katie’s courage and commitment to helping others find their way to recovery.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro
1:23 – Katie’s recovery story
7:53 – Katie’s transition to working in recovery centers
12:38 – Recovery Centers of America’s comprehensive care
18:17 – The importance of involving families in the recovery process
20:05 – You are not your addiction

Katie Ogden

Katie Ogden is a Treatment Advocate at Recovery Centers of America at Devon. As a person in long-term recovery, Katie understands the importance of accessibility to treatment and the care provided for those suffering from substance use disorder. With a background in business development and with the use of her personal connections, it only made sense for her to combine these passions into a career in the recovery field. Katie also provides education on addiction and treatment to communities, families, first responders, schools, and professionals.


EPISODE LINKS

Recovery Centers of America

https://recoverycentersofamerica.com/

Recovery Centers of America RESCU Program

https://recoverycentersofamerica.com/substance-abuse-treatment/first-responders/

Check out more Recovery Centers of America Resources HERE and HERE

RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

In this week’s episode of Untold Valor, we are joined by Heather Sliwinski, the CEO and founder of the Honor and Courage Foundation. The foundation, which was inspired by her son at just eleven years old, has grown into a beacon of hope for veterans dealing with PTSD and other post-service challenges.

Tune in as Heather shares more about the heart of this foundation’s work, including their innovative approach to helping those with PTSD and how they work to ensure no veteran feels alone in their struggles. To learn more about how you can get involved in their upcoming events and make a difference in the lives of those who served, click play!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro
1:44 – Getting to know Heather and the Honor and Courage Foundation
5:03 – The Stellate Ganglion Block procedure
7:58 – The Honor and Courage Foundation’s 24/7 hotline
9:51 – Honor and Courage Foundation events
11:05 – The big hurdles Heather sees veterans facing
16:19 – Our veterans are still struggling

HEATHER SLIWINSKI

Read Heather’s bio HERE

EPISODE LINKS

The Honor and Courage Foundation

https://www.honorandcouragefoundation.org/

Learn more about the Stellate Ganglion Block procedure

https://www.honorandcouragefoundation.org/stellate-ganglion-block

24/7 hotline

https://www.honorandcouragefoundation.org/hotline

Make a donation

https://www.honorandcouragefoundation.org/home-1

RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Today we are joined by Theresa Agostinelli, a licensed clinical social worker with nearly two decades of experience helping veterans and first responders overcome mental health challenges. She has a powerful story of her own, growing up in a dysfunctional and traumatic household, which later manifested in significant mental health challenges.

After becoming a widow at a young age and battling severe depression and anxiety, Theresa decided to become an advocate for those in pain. She pursued a degree in counseling, psychotherapy, and psychology, which transformed her understanding of mental health.

Her journey and education inspired her to write The GRID System, a book that offers a structured approach to healing from trauma. We’re honored to have her share her story and remind us all that, no matter how deep the wounds of trauma, there’s hope for healing and a brighter future.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro
1:36 – Theresa’s background and story
6:54 – The GRID System
10:52 –The role of discipline and mindset
14:11 – Identifying and addressing trauma
16:24 – Reaching out for help
18:24 – Everyone can overcome setbacks + resources

Learn more about Theresa

Read Theresa’s bio HERE


EPISODE LINKS

Get in touch with Theresa

(610) 808-7401

tagostinelli3@gmail.com

Theresa on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresaagostinelli/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresamarco/

Get your copy of Theresa’s book The GRID System

National Alliance on Mental Illness

https://www.nami.org/

RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.