31 Dec 2021 Changing lives for the better: Natural State Recovery Leadership Team

The capable team at Natural State Recovery Centers is dedicated to helping people overcome addictions. Director of Treatment Bobby Ward believes one of his greatest achievements came in 2018 when he helped put together the new substance abuse facility that truly addresses every need of a person suffering from addiction. 

“Our organization is known for a hands-on approach, meaning educating clients and treating them as an individual with respect and dignity, no matter how far they have fallen in society’s eyes,” Ward said.

“We walk hand-in-hand with clients through the darkest parts of trauma, and enable them to see a brighter future, being a contributor to society, to employers, family and friends,” he said. “The accomplishment that makes me the proudest is coming from 17 years of active addiction to 32 years of sobriety and from being the black sheep of my family to being a loving brother, being a husband and a father that my wife/kids can count on, to being a pillar to my friends that they can call on.”

Ward served on the Certification/Licenses Board for Counselors from 2006 to 2010 and was voted Counselor of the Year in 2009 by his peers.

Laura Kirk is thrilled to be the Business Development Manager for Natural State Recovery Centers. With three years of experience in the field, this is the position she is most proud of landing.

“The minute I stepped on the Natural State Recovery Centers campus, I knew that I had to be a part of the amazing things they were doing,” Kirk said. “I had been dreaming of working for the best drug treatment program in Arkansas and I’ve found it.”

Kirk considers the program a game changer for those with addictions. “We are the only facility in Arkansas that offers all levels of care from detox to sober living,” she said. “We are Natural State Recovery Center, but I am sure in time we will be THE Natural State Recovery Center!” 

Another important team member is Cope Hughes, Director of Operations. Hughes has worked with Natural State Recovery Centers since day one. “It is my responsibility to make sure that our staff is happy so we can provide the best service possible for our clients,” Hughes said. “It is a privilege to be able to watch people rebuild their lives.”

Natural State Recovery Centers is committed to clients for the long haul. J.D. Skelton’s position as a “Peer Support” is a game changer for clients. “My favorite thing about my position at Natural State Recovery Centers is the interaction with clients,” he said. “We offer a 120-day program that includes all levels of care, not just 30 days. So after clients complete their stay, I stay in touch with them for the following year to provide support and encouragement.

“I am most proud of my ability to meet the client where they are,” Skelton continued. “I keep my team motivated by showing them love, showing them my dedication to recovery and helping others through daily interactions.”

Natural State Recovery Centers is located on a 27 acre campus and is like nothing else in the state. If you or someone you love is seeking recovery help is here…at NATURAL STATE RECOVERY CENTERS.

Natural State Recovery Centers • 10025 Oakland Dr. • 561.365.7938 • naturalstaterecovery.com