Personal Experience Shapes Taylor's New Role at SEAR

As an undergraduate, Isabel K. Taylor had a personal understanding of recovery and learned the importance of resilience and support within a college community.  

"My work today is motivated by the kind and persistent individuals who supported me while I was in active addiction," Taylor said, "and by those who are still fighting for sobriety but struggling to find adequate support to do so." 

As the collegiate recovery program coordinator for the Substance Education, Assessment & Recovery program, known as SEAR, Taylor supports students as they balance academic demands with personal wellness — one of the most meaningful aspects of her work.

"I know firsthand that balancing recovery, personal wellness and academic responsibilities is not an easy task," she said. "It takes time, self-compassion, understanding and support from others. I have a strong passion for learning and understand how frustrating it can be to experience academic barriers because of mental health struggles."

Taylor shared that people in recovery often experience isolation, changes in their social norms and then must learn how to rebalance their life after active addiction. In her new role, Taylor creates inclusive, accessible programming for the Razorback Recovery Community and strengthens campus and community connections. 

"The RRC offers a space and the community where people are supported on this journey," she said. "We learn alongside each other and work to understand, connect with, and support each person who enters our group. We also focus on community building and holistic well-being, which means that Razorback Recovery isn't just about recovery — it's about wellness, too."

The RRC team offers support tailored to college students including connections to local and on-campus resources and providing one-to-one coaching to discuss individual recovery plans. Taylor noted that the RRC is open to all pathways of recovery because it's not a one-size-fits-all situation. Her approach is holistic and encompasses the eight dimensions of wellness, along with principles from Self-Management and Recovery Training. Recovery discussions of any kind are welcome, and members are encouraged to share new ideas or tools they've learned along the way. 

"Recovery can be a daunting journey," she said. "In addition to battling addiction, individuals must also face stigma and sometimes even social isolation. The demographics of many recovery spaces often lack diversity, making them an intimidating or inaccessible space for many. I wanted to create a recovery community in which anyone who wanted to be involved knew they had a place with us, and we will do all we can to keep that space safe." 

And Taylor has started to create that space within the RRC by adding new support groups: Women in Recovery and Being Present in a Digital Age. 

Taylor recently received her bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Arkansas. As a student, she served in several leadership and peer-support positions focused on wellness, mentorship and student engagement, including lead mentor for the university's Lunch Buddy mentor program and Peer Wellness Coach with University Recreation and Wellness.  

"I was inspired to pursue a career in mental health because I believe that it is a crucial and often overlooked aspect of individual wellness," Taylor said. "Many people find that the support available for mental health lacks autonomy, informed care or adequate resources. I'd like to be a part of a space that provides supportive care that is appropriate and safe for the people seeking it, especially those who belong to historically marginalized or oppressed groups."  

"Isabel brings both professional training and lived experience that are deeply valuable to our work  at  SEAR," said  Jennifer  Morris, SEAR director. "Her passion for student wellness and recovery support strengthens our ability to serve students and foster a more inclusive recovery community on campus."   

"Working with the RRC has been a truly rewarding and inspiring experience," Taylor said. "Everyone in the community brings such incredible gifts and knowledge. I am constantly learning and feel so much support from both students and staff. The passion, care and acceptance that the RRC holds for its members and attendees creates new light and positive energy that keeps me going every day I come to work." 

Outside of work, Taylor has a strong interest in creative expression. Raised by two  ceramics  artists, she has been surrounded by pottery studios throughout her life and now  maintains  a home ceramics studio. She also enjoys poetry,  collage and upcycled art, and values creative expression as an important outlet for wellness and connection.  

For more about SEAR, the RRC or Pat Walker Health Center, visit health.uark.edu and follow @uarkhealth and @uarksear on Instagram. Questions may be directed to sear@uark.edu or by calling 479-575-2500. 

About the Substance Education, Assessment & Recovery (SEAR) Program: SEAR provides individual and group interventions to university students with alcohol, cannabis and other substance-related concerns. SEAR offers research-based prevention, early intervention and recovery support services designed to promote a learning environment that supports healthy behavior choices and raises awareness about the risks associated with alcohol abuse and illicit drug use. SEAR is a Pat Walker Health Center program and is part of the Division of Student Affairs. To learn more, visit health.uark.edu/sear. 

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community and success. We prioritize student access, well-being and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.