Thrive has been the leader in substance misuse prevention and recovery services in Indian River County for over 35 years. Originally founded in 1989 as the Substance Abuse Council and later as the Substance Awareness Center, we began as a small organization providing resources, information and referrals on substance misuse prevention and recovery. Over the years, we have grown into the most complete prevention, recovery and treatment organization, expanding our services to meet the needs of our community.

Our goal is to eliminate substance misuse through prevention education and community awareness. Partnering with over 20 different schools and nonprofits, we build resilient youth in our community through prevention education, giving them the necessary skills to reduce the likelihood of substance misuse. Through community awareness initiatives, we empower parents and families with life saving knowledge. Our team of prevention strategists and licensed therapists are dedicated to continuously elevating the success of our evidence-based prevention programs, striving to protect and empower our community.

High school students walking on stairs between classes
people holding hands standing in circle

We are committed to helping our community thrive by sharing the hope, healing, and possibilities that come with recovery from substance use disorders. As the leading organization providing recovery services in our community, we offer comprehensive and essential substance abuse treatment services including Day Treatment, Outpatient Services, Recovery Housing and Peer Support. Our licensed clinicians and certified peer support specialists utilize the most advanced evidence based approaches for youth and adult recovery.    

As the leading provider of comprehensive Drug Testing Services in Indian River County, judicial institutions  and businesses alike trust our state of the art equipment for reliable results. We are easily accessible to the community with a centralized location in Vero Beach and a second location in Sebastian. Child welfare, court programs and local businesses benefit from our services. 

Young professional woman

Thrive IRC is powered by a passionate team dedicated to operational excellence and community impact. Our work is supported through local, state, and federal grants, foundation support, and private donations. Guided by a volunteer Board of Directors, Thrive upholds the highest standards of accountability and service. The Board meets monthly to ensure our mission stays on course and our operations continue to serve with integrity and care.

Thrive Leadership

Carrie Lester, CEO of Thrive IRC

Carrie Lester

CEO

staff member smiling purple background

David Flynt

Chief Operating Officer

About- Thrive Staff Jill Amos

Jill Amos

Chief Clinical Officer

About- Thrive Staff Shelley Stuart

Shelley Stuart

Director of Community Service

staff member smiling purple background

Kyleigh Motiwala, MPH

Chief Impact Officer

Gina McGirt, Office Manager at Thrive IRC

Gina McGirt

Office Manager

Thrive Staff

About- Thrive Staff Jenny Cossio

Jenny Cossio

Bookkeeper

Catherine Damutz, Prevention Specialist at Thrive IRC

Catherine Damutz

Prevention Specialist

staff member smiling purple background

KJ Demich

Peer Support Specialist

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Cat Fisher

Front Office & Drug Testing Assistant

Maureen Kunkel, Counselor III at Thrive IRC

Maureen Kunkel

Counselor III

About- Thrive Staff Dan Jones

Dan Jones

Drug Lab Technician

About- Thrive Staff Morgan McPartlan

Morgan McPartlan

Prevention Specialist

Maria Clark, Community Development Assistant at Thrive IRC

Maria Clark

Community Development Assistant

Julia DeMott, Data Strategist at Thrive IRC

Julia DeMott

Data Strategist

Sheila Firle, Counselor at Thrive IRC

Sheila Firle

Counselor

Alicia Herrero

Alicia Herrero

Counselor

Melissa Weiland, Peer support specialist staff at thrive

Melissa Weiland

Certified Recovery Peer Specialist

Elizabeth Brown, Prevention Specialist at Thrive IRC

Elizabeth Brown

Prevention Specialist

Nicole Chapman, Data Integration Specialist at Thrive IRC

Nicole Chapman

Data Integration Specialist

Michael McGriff, UDS Specialist at Thrive IRC

Michael McGriff

UDS Specialist

Michael Wright, Peer Support Specialist at Thrive IRC

Michael Wright

Peer Support Specialist

Tara Turene, Clinical Substance Abuse Therapist at Thrive IRC

Tara Turene

Clinical Substance Abuse Therapist

Carly Monaghan, Community Services Coordinator at Thrive IRC

Carly Monaghan

Community Services Coordinator

Thrive Board Members

About- Thrive Board Member Chief David Curry

Chief David Curry | Vero Beach Police Department

Board Member Headshot

Treasurer
Jake Koontz | New Age Business Solutions

Board Member Headshot woman smiling outside

Secretary
Lindsay Concannon |
Cypress Bank & Trust

Nancy Lynch, Thrive IRC Board Chair

Nancy Lynch |
Board Chair

About- Thrive Board Member Chief David Curry

Chair
Chief David Curry | Vero Beach Police Department

Board Member Headshot

Treasurer
Jake Koontz | New Age Business Solutions

Board Member Headshot woman smiling outside

Secretary
Lindsay Concannon |
Cypress Bank & Trust

Nancy Lynch, Thrive IRC Board Chair

Nancy  Lynch |
Board Chair

Judge Robyn Stone, Thrive IRC board member

Judge Robyn Stone

About- Board Member Ainsley Schneider

Ainsley Schneider | Shipt

Board Member Headshot

Lt. Phil Huddy | Vero Beach Police Department

Dr. Gerald Pierone, Thrive IRC board member

Dr. Gerald Pierone

Jim Field, Thrive IRC board member

Jim Field

Stephen Pellitier, Thrive IRC board member

Stephen Pellitier

Thrive Compliance Information

Thrive IRC was founded in 1989 as a resource for information and referral and has expanded the services offered as the community need has increased. We have embraced two positions, Prevention Works! and Recovery Works! Our programs are CARF accredited and state licensed.

Want to Support Our Mission?

Your contribution enables us to protect and empower our community from the risks and impacts of substance misuse.

Want to Support Our Mission?

Your support enables us to protect and empower our community from the risks and impacts of substance misuse.

Annual Report

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