Steppingstones is about giving people the tools they need to overcome addiction and put their life back on an upward trajectory.

Steppingstones to Recovery believes that alcohol and drug problems begin innocently with social and experimental use, and progress to abusive use, then to dependence - which is accelerated if certain genetic factors are present.  While Steppingstones was originally established to help people with addictions, over the years it has expanded services to include treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions in the absence of alcohol or drug use.

Steppingstones is not a hospital-based "inpatient" treatment facility offering medical and detoxification services, but refers out to a number of facilities for this purpose in an effort to match the proper level of care with financial resources.

Ken Wilson - Executive Director | MDiv, CAC II, MAC

I founded Steppingstones to Recovery in 1997, buying an old rundown house on my credit card and totally remodeling it! I had served as Program Manager for the Alcohol and Drug Help Unit at University Hospital, working in that program for 10 years.

Prior to that I was a church pastor for 14 years and became a Certified Fellow in the College of Chaplains after completing a year’s internship in Clinical Pastoral Education at University Hospital in 1987. This history has proven to be invaluable in my ability to help relieve the pain of the suffering alcoholic and addict which I have done full time since 1987, 34 years and counting! I have been a Certified Addiction Counselor Level II since 1992, Certified Clinical Supervisor since 1993, Master Addiction Counselor since 1996 and Substance Abuse Expert since 2010.

I have been a columnist for the Medical Examiner for the past 5 years. Click the link below to see one of the many articles. I am also available for community lectures on the subject of addiction and recovery.

Steppingstones moved to its current strategic location off Washington Road/I-20 in 2005, a custom built facility that I drew out on a scratch piece of paper initially, to be consistent with the needs of our clients.  It emulates a warm, friendly, and inviting atmosphere with a central coffee station, endless supply of bagels and cream cheese, and 2 gazebos to promote relaxed conversation.

I have 3 grown daughters, one of which is the Clinical Director at Steppingstones, and 6 grandchildren.  For my leisure interests, I love building and re-purposing furniture, home improvement projects, seeing a good true story movie, and bicycling 10-20 miles per ride. 

Jessica Worsham - Clinical Director | LCSW, CADC

After earning a Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Carolina in 2003, I began working at Steppingstones as a group therapist. What I love most about working at Steppingstones is that recovery is not seen as a “one size fits all” model and every effort is made to attend to individual needs. I have an extensive understanding of the progression of addiction, the process of recovery, and family dynamics of addiction. I  give all the credit for my knowledge of addiction and recovery to the clients and family members I have worked with and whom have been my best teachers. In addition to addiction treatment experience, I find fulfillment working with the various issues faced by emergency responders, including law enforcement officers, paramedics and fire fighters, as well as people seeking help for mental health concerns. 

In my free time, I enjoy a good green smoothie, running, yoga, spending time with loved ones and trying to keep up with my 2 boys who are very active in sports.

Jessica Pealer - Office Manager, MBA

I was born and raised here in Augusta,  and attended the University of Georgia where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in theatre and vocal performance.  I am married to Greg Pealer, and together we have two amazing daughters, Anna-Marie and Scarlet Rose.   When I am not at Steppingstones to Recovery, you can find me on the stage with the Augusta Players, Aiken Community Playhouse, or Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre.

LaDetria King - Counselor | LPC

I hold a Master of Arts degree in Psychology with emphasis in counseling and am a Licensed Professional Counselor with the national credential of Certified Rehabilitation Counseling. My work experience includes case manager in Child Protective Services, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Manager, Employee Assistance Program Counselor and private practice Therapist. I enjoy working with children, women, couples, families and emotional issues.  For leisure interests I enjoy gardening, exercising, traveling, and collecting varieties of shoes! 

Nancy Godin, RN, CADC II

While my background as a registered nurse is in medical-surgical, hospice, and wound care I currently serve as a nurse and alcohol and drug counselor at Steppingstones. I have a passion for offering education and peer-to-peer support to the families of those with substance use disorders, and facilitate our Family Workshop offered weekly at Steppingstones.  I have also been a part of the national organization, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones, since 2018 where I served on the Board of Directors, and was the Southeast Regional Coordinator for over 2 years. As a result of my passion for helping both those with substance use disorders and their families, I was the recipient of the 2023 Recovery Advocate of the Year Award for the CSRA.  I have been married to my husband since 1988, have two adult sons, and three grandchildren. I enjoy kayaking, camping, and spending time with my grandchildren.

David Jimmerson, LPC

Stacia Fritz

Lindsey Durrett, CPS, CADC-T

Scott Arrington, CADC-T