Registered student organizations operate independently of the University of Tennessee, with some receiving guidance and support from university departments. The university encourages student organizations to promote civil and social awareness, but it does not endorse their activities or viewpoints. To view a full list of registered organizations, visit Volink.
Vanessa Betancourt
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hey Y’all! I’m Vanessa, one of the Rocky Top Recovery Ambassadors. I am a graduate student in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program with a concentration in psychiatric mental health and a psychiatric and detox registered nurse. I got involved with RTR during my senior year of undergrad when I attended a Recovery Ally training. That training and my nursing mentor inspired me to follow my passion of becoming an advocate for Vols in recovery or those with a desire to explore recovery. I have lived mental health experience and am from a family who has a history of addiction and mental health conditions. Being part of a collegiate recovery program allows me to reduce the stigma surrounding recovery, feel empowered in my recovery, and provide Vols with a community where they feel recovery is possible! I lead social media content creation and co-lead the Mental Health Monday meetings. In my free time, I love to shop and spend quality with my friends and family!
Lilly Horne
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hi, everyone! I’m Lilly, and I’m a sophomore double majoring in Forensic Anthropology and Psychology with a minor in Linguistics. I went to a Rocky Top Recovery meeting in my freshman year seeking an environment that encourages growth, but was also a low-stakes community that I cold leave if I didn’t like it. I fell in love with the immediate hospitality and warmth that the program exuded, and now I’m honored to call myself an ambassador! Being part of this community has helped me to become a huge mental health advocate in my day-to-day life. I hope to continue to foster that same environment and give others seeking recovery a community where they know they’re not alone and it’s okay to advocate for yourself.
Kelen Lu
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hey everyone! My name is Kelen, and I am currently a sophomore majoring in Psychology with a Pre-Health minor at the University of Tennessee! As a recent transfer, I sought out Rocky Top Recovery in hopes of joining an open-minded community—a place I knew I could rely on. After attending a weekly meeting, I was immediately drawn in by the wholeheartedness and depth of the conversations.
I am proud to call myself a Rocky Top Recovery Ambassador. My mental health experiences have granted me a journey of growth and an abundance of outlooks, and I am incredibly excited to utilize these experiences to both share and receive a broad range of perspectives. I know life can be full of unexpected and daunting turns, which is why I want to ensure that everyone receives the same unconditional support and warmth that I did.
Jonathan Stokes
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hi! I’m John, a Social Work major graduating in 2025, but hopefully continuing on as a master’s student through 2026. I first heard about the success of collegiate recovery groups watching a seminar discussing the neuroscience of addiction before I came to UT. As college students we have some of the best recovery opportunities when we come together to turn challenges into new opportunities, new hope. I see my own recovery as a great asset in my life now, a true blessing, and I hope to help others on their journey.
Being a Rocky Top Ambassador really complements my education as a social worker and also my personal recovery. After graduation, I plan on becoming a clinician helping people with substance misuse and mental health concerns. I really chose to become an ambassador to help myself by helping others. I know if I stay busy and commit to meetings and fun activities, I’ll be accountable and active with my recovery community. The beauty of recovery is that it really gives me purpose and meaning in life to help others that may be newer to recovery ideas. My new addiction is feeling safe to open up and be vulnerable, and to help others discover that for themselves. We can’t do this alone. Together we can turn a difficult challenge into our greatest strength!