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!
Grace Hardin
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hello! My name is Grace Hardin and I am a senior at The University of Tennessee Knoxville in the College Scholars Program! I’ve been involved in Rocky Top Recovery since attending the 2021 Collegiate Recovery Conference my freshman year of college. Rocky Top Recovery gives me the opportunity to connect individuals to resources available on campus, teach others about harm reduction, and spread awareness about various mental health and/or substance misuse topics. I lead our outreach initiatives, if you want more information, please email me! When I’m not working, there’s a good chance I’m spending time with my fluffy, VERY orange cat, Duckworth.
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.
Gracie Watters
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hi, I’m Gracie Watters, a senior studying Psychology at the University of Tennessee. My journey in the realm of recovery has been both transformative and fulfilling, and I’m excited to share a bit about it with you.
I joined Rocky Top Recovery when I transferred schools last year. As a student in recovery, I sought out this program to connect with others who understand my experiences and to find a supportive community that aligns with my goals. The decision to get involved was driven by my desire to share the insights and wisdom I’ve gained from my own journey, with the hope of helping others find their own path to peace and sobriety.
This semester, I am honored to be leading the All Recovery meetings, where we come together to support each other and share our experiences. I also collaborate with my fantastic coworkers to plan and coordinate various events that foster connection and growth within our recovery community. Additionally, I will be actively engaging with you all on our social media page, where I’ll be posting daily meditations and information about different recovery pathways.
On a personal note, I’m currently working on a poetry book that explores the realities of addiction and the journey to overcome it. It’s been a deeply rewarding project that allows me to channel my experiences into something meaningful and inspiring.
Thank you for being part of this community. I look forward to connecting with you and supporting each other in our recovery journeys.
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!