about us

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. Richard 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 1974 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.”

Director of Client Affairs

Ricky Howard is a native of Tuskegee and raised in Pittsview, Alabama where he attended and graduated from Pittsview Elementary and Jr. High and Russell County High. After high school graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy. He later 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 Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated. In November of 2007 he enlisted in the Alabama National Guard (231st MP Battalion) where he served for two years until his honorable discharge. Ricky’s professional duties over the years have included five years as contracted Counseling Supervisor for The Alabama Department of Youth Services, five years of Adolescent Group facilitator at Bradford Health Services, 10 years as a Drug Treatment Director at Limestone Correctional Facility, and 10 years as the Substance Use Linkage & Treatment Manager for Thrive Alabama in Huntsville where he is currently employed

 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.