Meet the Team: Megan Garrett

Megan Garrett is the Residential Admissions Coordinator at Ember Recovery. Megan has worked at YSS residential treatment houses YRH and 712 for five years. During this time, she held several positions — Recovery Specialist (DSP), YRH Lead, and Youth Recovery Advocate. Megan left YSS for one year and found her way back to Ember Recovery in March.

“I personally feel like YSS took a chance on me starting at the age of 20, and through this chance has given me every resource to succeed. I am forever wanting to pay it forward.”

When Megan was in college at Iowa State University, a YSS representative came to a class she was attending and spoke about YSS CEO and President, Andrew Allen. For Megan, it immediately became clear that if someone could attend the YSS residential treatment program and then want to come back and work for the same program, then this could be the right place for her.

“In the state of Iowa almost everyone knows someone struggling with the disease of addiction, mental illness, or financial instability. Growing up all I wanted to do was befriend those struggling and one day become capable of helping them.”

Megan’s responsibilities as a Residential Admissions Coordinator include reviewing referrals, conducting pre-admission communications and interviews, completing the intake process, and monitoring discharges and changes in level of care.

The harder cases are the most rewarding for Megan, as they remind her that every single person is capable and deserving of change. Megan’s favorite part about working with youth at Ember is witnessing the change that Ember can have on not just a client, but all those who have close contact with them.

“Often clients will come in with little to no words to describe who they are, but then our residential team assists them with exploring their wellness, trauma, and goals. We see life come back to these individuals and on graduation day we witness someone who gets to experience ambition,” says Megan. “This is all kudos to the teammates I have who work hard to stay with clients, even on days that feel hopeless.”

Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her dog and cat, going for hikes and kayaking in Colfax, attending local events, and traveling.

Thank you for all your hard work at Ember Recovery, Megan!