Recovery High Schools: Building a Bridge to Youth Resilience in North Carolina
Across the country, Recovery High Schools (RHS) are transforming how communities support young people navigating substance use and mental health challenges—providing a unique blend of academic instruction, recovery support, and social-emotional development. This session explores the potential of Recovery High Schools as a vital component of North Carolina’s continuum of care for youth.
Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the RHS model, its proven impact on academic performance and long-term recovery outcomes, and how states have successfully integrated these programs within public education systems. Together, we’ll examine national trends, explore lessons learned from established RHS networks, and identify actionable strategies to strengthen youth recovery pathways across North Carolina.
By the end of this session, attendees will be equipped to define the model, analyze its relevance to North Carolina’s current landscape, and outline collaborative opportunities for agencies, schools, and community partners to champion resilient futures for youth in recovery.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the Model: Define what Recovery High Schools are and examine their impact on academic achievement, mental health, and long-term recovery outcomes for youth.
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Explore the Landscape: Review national trends and highlight lessons learned that can inform how North Carolina addresses youth recovery needs.
- Identify Opportunities for NC: Discuss practical strategies for how state agencies, schools, and communities can support the development and sustainability of Recovery High Schools in North Carolina.
Speaker: Mary Ferreri
Mary Ferreri is the heart and soul behind the 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that opened its doors in September 2019. Founded in 2017, the school was created to provide a safe, supportive environment where teens in recovery from substance use and mental health challenges can heal, grow, and succeed.
Mary’s passion for this work is deeply personal. Adopted from Guadalajara, Mexico, she has walked her own journey of recovery from an eating disorder, depression, and self-harm. Her lived experience fuels her mission to ensure that young people facing similar struggles have access to the education, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive.
Before founding Emerald School of Excellence, Mary dedicated 11 years to teaching and coaching in the public school system. This invaluable experience gave her firsthand insight into the challenges students face and the importance of creating an environment where every learner feels seen, supported, and empowered. She holds a 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝗿𝗸 and has become a recognized leader in the recovery and education space.
Through 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, Mary is not just building a school—she’s building a movement. A place where teens can rediscover hope, embrace their potential, and create a future full of possibilities.
- 𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 (𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁)
- 𝗡𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗗 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘇𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰) – 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺.
- 𝗔𝗣𝗡𝗖 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 (𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬) – 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
Continuing Education Credits: This training is FREE and pending approval for 1 CE hour from NCASPPB, CHES/MCHES, NAADAC and NASW-NC.
