The Razorback Recovery Community at Pat Walker Health Center is recognizing three campus professionals whose everyday work fosters a supportive environment for students in recovery. The Recovery Ally of the Month honorees for February, March and April are Gretchen Brannon; licensed clinical social worker Kym Williams; and Dr. Carlos A. Acosta, assistant medical director.

Recovery Allies are nominated for their compassion, sincerity and willingness to go above and beyond for students navigating substance-use challenges. Many complete Recovery Ally Training, volunteer at RRC events or personally connect students with care.

February: Gretchen Brannon, MSN, CFNP, CSAP

Brannon provides comprehensive primary and mental-health care while serving on the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Team. She creates a safe, welcoming space for students facing substance-use challenges and actively refers them to Razorback Recovery Community resources.

"We are incredibly grateful for Gretchen's advocacy, compassion and unwavering support," said Jennifer Morris, LPC-S, SEAR program coordinator. "Her work truly embodies what it means to be a Recovery Ally."

Brannon's holistic approach to mental health, women's health, LGBTQ+ care and substance use makes her an essential part of the university community. She was also part of the Razorback Recovery Team that earned the university's 2019 Outstanding Staff Team award.

"Gretchen has been a constant support for me through my own recovery journey. While battling a few personal life struggles, Gretchen showed up with encouraging words and unwavering support. For this, I will be forever grateful," said Ashley Jo Brown, SEAR collegiate peer recovery specialist, reflecting on her personal experience of Brannon's support for the recovery community.

March — Kym Williams, MSW, LCSW, AADC

Williams joined the treatment team in 2016 and quickly became a trusted presence at Razorback Recovery events. A two-time U of A alumna, she specializes in alcohol and substance-use treatment, motivational interviewing, anxiety, depression and self-esteem.

"Kym meets every client where they are and reminds them that recovery is not only possible but deeply worth pursuing," Brown said. "Her empathy and evidence-based approach uplift our entire community."

"Whether she's running a support group or quietly cheering students on from the sidelines, Kym's commitment never wavers," Brown added. "She models the compassionate care we strive for every day."

Grounded in social-justice values, Williams shows students that a caring community surrounds them and that help is always close at hand.

April — Carlos A. Acosta, M.D.

Acosta, a bilingual family medicine physician and diplomate of both the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Obesity Medicine, integrates harm-reduction principles into everyday primary care.

"Dr. Acosta has referred students to us, completed Recovery Ally Training, shows genuine compassion for every individual and truly listens when I share my own experience, strength and hope," Brown said.

Originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, Acosta has served the campus community since 2013 and received an Outstanding Staff Member Award from Sponsored Students and Special Programs in 2020. His fluency in Spanish and English helps domestic and international students feel at home, and his whole-person approach links them to medical, mental-health and peer-support services without stigma or delay.

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About the Recovery Ally of the Month: Recipients of "Recovery Ally of the Month" exhibit qualities including compassion, sincerity, attendance at Recovery Ally Training sessions, support at Razorback Recovery events and going above the call of duty to assist individuals facing substance-use disorders. This Arkansas News article covers how someone in the U of A community can become a "Recovery Ally of the Month." 

For more information about SEAR and the RRC, visit health.uark.edu or @razorbackrecovery and @uarksear on Instagram. Questions can also be answered via email at razrecov@uark.edu or by calling 479-575-2500.