"Building a Life You Don't Want to Escape" with Kat: Kat's Journey in Recovery

On the Recovery Vow Podcast, host Eric Kennedy welcomes Kat to share the next chapter of her journey. What began as a whirlwind romance, an early marriage in sobriety, and painful lessons quickly became the foundation for her true calling—building treatment centers and creating supportive recovery communities.

A Hard Lesson in Early Sobriety

Just a few months into sobriety, Kat rushed into marriage with a fellow newcomer. Within weeks, he relapsed, leaving Kat heartbroken but more determined than ever to stay sober. Rather than letting the setback take her out, she doubled down on meetings, found a real sponsor, and committed to working the 12 steps.

Building Recovery on Solid Ground

As Kat leaned into sponsorship and fellowship, she began to experience genuine healing. She compared meetings to going to the gym—they provide the environment, but the real growth comes from working the steps with guidance and accountability. This time, her recovery had depth and direction.

Finding Purpose Beyond Sobriety

Although she was professionally successful in software sales, Kat felt unfulfilled. A six-month sabbatical and countless conversations with mentors pointed her toward her true passion—helping others in recovery. She started working in treatment, learning the ropes from the ground up. With the help of her partner and early supporters, Kat co-founded Laguna Shores Recovery, a treatment center in Southern California.

Growing Laguna Shores

What started as a six-bed home quickly expanded into multiple facilities, including substance abuse treatment centers, a dedicated mental health program, and even a 40-bed facility in Wisconsin. Laguna Shores combines medical care, brain-mapping technology, and personalized treatment to support long-term recovery.

Chains to Change: A Digital Recovery Community

Beyond treatment centers, Kat launched Chains to Change, a digital community for people seeking accountability and connection outside of traditional programs. The app provides a space for daily check-ins, goal setting, prayer requests, and encouragement—offering support to the sober, sober-curious, and those not yet ready for rehab or meetings. With nearly 300 members in its first three months, the platform has already helped people stay sober and find hope.

The Recovery Journal

Kat also created a guided journal designed to help people track sobriety goals, gratitude, and daily commitments. Rooted in physical, spiritual, and mental health, the journal provides structure for those building a life they don’t want to escape.

Key Takeaways from Kat’s Story

• Early mistakes don’t define your recovery—they can redirect you.

• Sponsorship and step work bring depth that meetings alone cannot.

• Fulfilment comes from building a life worth living, not just avoiding alcohol.

• Treatment centers and digital platforms alike can provide critical community support.

• Leadership in recovery is about hiring wisely, serving others, and creating opportunities for hope.

Kat’s story is proof that even the most painful moments can become the starting point for purpose-driven transformation.