7027 Old Madison Pike NW Suite 108 | Huntsville, AL 35806
about us
Our Mission
. We promote dignity and self-worth in all of our clients and strive to give them excellent quality of life options. We encourage each client to participate and take ownership in their care, while we provide the tools needed for them to become a productive individual to themselves and to their community.
"I believe our only real purpose on this earth is to help other people",
From his earliest memories in Chicago's west side, Mr. Richardson witnessed firsthand the destructive avenues many people choose to walk. Mr. William Richardson has committed himself to giving people a hand up and a way out. To that end, he founded Grateful Recovery.
-William Richardson
Meet the staff
William Richardson, III
President and CEO
Mr. Richardson is a native of the west-side of Chicago, Illinois. He is the youngest and the surviving patriarch of three siblings. He has over 100 nieces and nephews. His mother and father divorced when he was 9 years old. Mr. Richardson went to several high schools and had problems in them but became an avid basketball player at Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist School in Chicago. In the mid 1970s he moved to Alabama with his family and made the decision to drop out of high school and begin his path as a musician. He traveled all across the nation playing keyboard, doing music engineering and even vocals. After the rush and excitement of bands shows, and the band he was with disbanded, Mr. Richardson had found drugs and alcohol to fill his emptiness.
After 25 years of bands, drugs, and alcohol Mr. Richarson received his GED the first of his family to receive a diploma. In 1997 he enrolled in Calhoun Community College studying music education and later received degrees in music industry communication and music education. He has received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Athens State University and a Master of Social Work from Alabama A&M University. He's currently pursuing his doctorate at Capella University in social work.
In 2021, Grateful Recovery opened to assist those in building healthy relationships, stronger coping skills, recovery from addiction, and a better quality of life.
“I’ve gone through everything I’ve gone through in order to do this work
right now. Just imagine how much greater the world would be if we all helped each other out.
“Just imagine.”
Geralyn Smith
Business Cosultant
Geralyn Smith is a native of Huntsville, Alabama where she has lived and grown up in the Northside community. Her career began in high school as a daycare worker at her church, St. Mark Baptist Church. Mrs. Smith has a running record of teaching in school systems across Madison County. She is also an educational consultant for The Legacy Center and Everybody Vs Racism, LLC.
Her role in Grateful Recovery goes beyond education, as she serves her community by implementing Grateful Recovery’s vision, mission, and overall direction. Geralyn is a two-time graduate of Alabama A&M University with a bachelor’s in biology and a master’s in early childhood education. She is currently a doctoral candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction program at Alabama A&M University.
Ricky Howard
President of Client Affairs
Ricky Howard. Born in Tuskegee, Alabama on March 2, 1972, to Mary Francis Howard. Raised in Pittsview, Alabama where he attended and graduated from Pittsview Elementary and Jr. High. It was there that he excelled both academically and athletically. He attended Russell County High School where he was an active member of the student counsel, varsity member of the football team for three years and captain of the basketball team. After high school graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy.After completion of Quarter Master School, he faithfully served in the United States Navy Reserves for 13 years. In March of 1991 he enrolled at Alabama A&M University where he obtained his BA Degree in Telecommunications with a minor in English. While at Alabama A&M University he was an active member of several organizations including but not limited to the Telecom Clu and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated. In March of 1993 he met and fell madly in love with his future wife, Martha Purifoy Howard. The two were married on April 26, 1997. They are now the proud parents of two blessings. Dr. Katelyn Cierra Howard and Courtney Rashard Howard. In November of 2007 he enlisted in the Alabama National Guard (231st MP Battalion) where I served for 4 years until his honorable discharge. Ricky’s professional duties over the years have included 5 years as contracted Counseling Supervisor for The Alabama Department of Youth Services. 5 years of Adolescent Group facilitator at Bradford Health Services. 10 years Drug Treatment Director at Limestone Correctional Facility where he received and currently maintains his CCJP, ICCJP. Past two years as President of Grateful Recovery Counseling Services.
Jermaine Fletcher
Director of IT Infrastructure
Mr. Fletcher is a native of Athens, Alabama. Son of James Earl and Rev. Dr. Shirley Fletcher of Athens. He is graduate of Athens High School. He began his career in technical service and troubleshooting after attending The University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama. After 10 years he decided upon a career change in the financial industry. In 2012 Mr. Fletcher became a banker specializing in business development, credit management, risk assessments. He's managed to combine all of his experiences in the development of his own company Mount It Up, LLC, an audio video company specializing in home entertainment installations, custom shelf fabrications, and network security solutions.
Mr. Fletcher has received his certification in CompTIA A +, CompTIA Security + and a member of InfraGard, a non-profit company between the FBI and private sector for protection of the United States critical infrastructure.