Phoenix Recovery Academy Staff
Our staff handles the day-to-day operations at the Phoenix Recovery Academy and includes both teacher and non-teacher roles. Without the work of these dedicated individuals, the students would not have the amount of support and resources available to them that they do. We are beyond grateful for each of our staff members.
Meet Our Staff
Heather Whitcomb
Executive Director
As a life-long resident of Frederick, Heather has always been motivated to help others in her community. Prior to her nonprofit work, she taught multiple grade levels in elementary education for Frederick County Public Schools for over 10 years. During her tenure with FCPS, she was an active member on the leadership team and lead, inspired, and motivated colleagues to effectively deliver instruction and increase student outcomes. Heather holds a Master’s in Reading Specialization from Hood College, which provided her hands-on literacy experience at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
She believes a recovery high school is essential for our community to provide adolescents with individualized instruction and early recovery support for long-term sobriety. She is passionate about serving the recovery community and dedicated to assisting our youth for the prevention of adult substance use disorder.
Heather was awarded an Unsung Hero Do-Gooder Award in October 2020 for going above and beyond to facilitate and handle the day-to-day logistics of opening the doors of Phoenix Recovery Academy. She has assisted in raising over $500,000 in funding through grant writing and fundraising. Since 2018, Heather has served as the Administrative Assistant, while wearing many hats to ensure the success of our organization. In addition to her work with Phoenix, Heather volunteers her time in neighborhood schools, sports associations, and connects community agency resources for those in need.
Heather and her husband, Jonathan have four sons and a golden retriever. In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, and being her boys #1 fan on the sports fields.
Stephanie Purdy
Principal
Stephanie has led community programs for development and recovery for more than 20 years. Her experience ranges from early child development and protective services to government education, welfare, and reentry programs. She has been involved throughout the spectrum of advocacy, education, and recovery, providing case management, organizational training and administration, victim advocacy, and developmental assessments for many multicultural communities and international clientele. She has managed a high caseload of international students by tracking academic progress while making necessary plans for tutoring, guidance, or personal support. Her recent work as an adult addiction therapist has reinforced her desire to break the cycle of addiction and dependency by enabling youth in the process of recovery.
Stephanie holds a PhD in Forensic Psychology, addressing the impact of early childhood trauma leading to substance abuse and domestic violence in adulthood. She has also earned graduate degrees in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice from Walden and Fayetteville State Universities (respectively).
Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband, 4 children, and more pets than they probably ought to have in the home. However, finding Stephanie away from work is difficult—because she loves working with the people she serves. If you’re looking for her outside the office, you’ll most likely find her in the woods or on the trail. Stephanie believes most problems can be solved by putting on a good pair of hiking boots and spending some time letting nature sort things out.
Allyson Watson
Teacher
Allyson comes to Phoenix after spending time teaching for Frederick County Public Schools. Allyson attended Stevenson University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in education along with minors in psychology and criminal justice. Outside of work she enjoys coaching sports teams, training athletes, snowboarding, and staying active. Allyson continues her own journey of recovery and has experience working with others recovering from alcohol and substance abuse as well.
Jessica
Teacher
Jessica is passionate and purpose-driven professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and extensive experience in the field of substance abuse recovery. With a heart for healing and a deep commitment to helping others find hope and restoration, Jessica has dedicated her career to walking alongside individuals on their journey to recovery, empowering them to reclaim their lives, one step at a time. Raised in the close-knit community of New Market and a proud graduate of Linganore High School, Jessica believes in the power of connection, faith, and perseverance. As a devoted mother of four amazing children, she draws daily inspiration from her family and strives to model resilience, love, and service in everything she does. Beyond her professional life, Jessica finds peace and joy in simple pleasures, whether it’s digging in her garden, cheering on her favorite NFL team, soaking in the sun at the beach, or spending quality time with friends and loved ones. She is also an active member of Grace Fellowship Church in Brunswick, where her faith continues to be a guiding light in both her personal and professional journey. Jessica’s life is a testament to the belief that no one is beyond hope and that with compassion, strength, and support, true transformation is always possible.
Xavier LeMay
Peer Recovery Specialist
As a Peer Support Specialist at Phoenix Recovery Academy, Xavier LeMay draws from both professional training and lived experience to support students on their recovery journeys. A proud graduate of PRA and a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), Xavier brings a unique blend of evidence-based practices and authentic connection to his role.
Having personally navigated the challenges of substance use and recovery during adolescence, Xavier offers a deep understanding of what students may be going through. His lived experience not only provides valuable insight but also fuels a strong belief in the strength, potential, and resilience of every student he supports.
Xavier has worked directly with youth through mentoring, group facilitation, and individualized peer support, focusing on trust-building, communication, and advocacy within recovery systems. His approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, strengths-based practices, and mutual respect—creating safe, supportive environments where students feel seen, heard, and empowered to take ownership of their recovery.
For Xavier, this work is deeply personal. Having been in the students’ shoes, he understands the transformative power of being believed in—especially during the vulnerable process of learning to believe in oneself. It’s an honor he doesn’t take lightly, to walk alongside young people not as a clinician, but as someone who has been there and wholeheartedly believes in where they are going.