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

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.