The HeArt of Recovery

Ask the "Why": A Tale of Two Sons

For this episode of The HeArt of Recovery, NCAAR Community Coordinator Tonia Ahern sits down with Patricia Roos, author of Surviving Alex: A Mother’s Story of Love, Loss, and Addiction. Tonia and Pat, two mothers and advocates shaped by the loss of their sons, Alex and Rory, come together to explore the realities families face amid substance use, stigma, and a shifting policy landscape. From the struggle to understand “why” to the systemic failures and barriers within treatment and criminal justice systems, they reflect on the parallels in their sons’ stories, the weight of unresolved grief, and the urgent need for compassion‑centered care. Their conversation highlights the power of listening, storytelling, and advocacy as they speak about love, loss, and the hope that more empathetic systems can save lives.  About the Author: Patricia Roos was a professor of sociology at Rutgers University when, in 2015, she lost her 25‑year‑old son, Alex, to a heroin overdose. In the wake of this devastating loss, she shifted her research and advocacy efforts to focus on substance use, grief, and systemic failures, transforming her pain into a powerful force for awareness and change.

Rewriting the "Rules" of Recovery

For this episode of The HeArt of Recovery, NCAAR Community Coordinator, Tonia Ahern sits down with Lynda McDonald, Certified Coach with The Invitation to Change. Tonia and Lynda, both family advocates and trainers, share their lived experiences navigating the intersection of substance use, family trauma, and the criminal justice system. They reflect on the flaws of punitive recovery models and share how mandated approaches often fail to heal—and instead, leave lasting damage. Through personal storytelling, they highlight the power of compassion, connection, and communication in transforming the systems surrounding recovery.

Youth Holds the Key: A Discussion with Vinayak Menon

In this episode, Tonia sits down with Vinayak Menon, founder of the Princeton Overdose Prevention Project (POP), Princeton University's first student-led advocacy group dedicated to raising awareness about the opioid crisis through education.

Meet Owl Grey Fire (aka Stephen Kavalkovich), Shamanic Healer with Ancient Healing Pathways

"The frequency of love is much higher than the frequency of fear."  In this episode, Tonia sits down with Shamanic Healer, Owl Grey Fire aka Stephen Kavalkovich (he/him) from Ancient healing Pathways in Marlton, New Jersey. Stephen utilizes Shamanism, Reiki, and a combination of modalities to connect the source of pain in others to their healing and transformation. Please join us while Stephen discusses his journey from substance use, through recovery, and into his soul's passion for healing. You can visit Stephen online at ancienthealingpathways.com where you can find information about his services, and access his Podcast, Rescue the Rescuer.  Stephen can also be found on Facebook, and Instagram @ancienthealingpathways. Trigger Warning: sexual abuse, September 11th, IV substance use, suicide.

Newark Community Street Team's Divad Sanders: Empowering Individuals and Supporting Communities

Divad Sanders of Newark Community Street Team (NCST) discusses the crucial role of understanding and addressing the root causes of trauma in individuals and communities. Divad also emphasizes the importance of relationships in navigating these issues by understanding not only the what and where but also the "why?". Divad and Tonia discuss the vital role of community outreach in addressing the opioid epidemic.  The fear of trauma and inhumane treatment within the criminal justice system and how it can deter individuals from seeking help, even when faced with life-threatening situations.  Divad’s dream is to have overdose response teams in every county in New Jersey and eventually every county in every stat. He also highlighted the need for cultural competency and understanding the politics of the communities they serve.