Vaile Leonard Bio
Vaile Leonard serves as the Founder and CEO of The Light of Truth Center, Inc., a comprehensive behavioral health system providing support for women recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Established in 1999 and operational since 2000, The Light of Truth Center, Inc. has remained steadfast in its commitment to empowering women in recovery and supporting the broader recovery community for the past 25 years.
With 32 years of sustained recovery herself, Vaile Leonard brings extensive leadership experience in recovery issues, organizational development, facilitation, recovery curriculum development, and advocacy. Having volunteered in women's institutions for 12 years, her personal recovery journey has propelled her into a prominent recovery advocate, championing the unique challenges faced by recovering women and the broader recovery community.
Under Vaile Leonard's guidance, The Light of Truth Center, Inc. has established a comprehensive recovery system of care, offering a continuum of services including housing, treatment, recovery support services, and extended housing services. Currently, the organization partners with MPAC, serving as their fiscal agent and providing organizational support. Leveraging her wealth of personal recovery experience, Ms. Leonard has developed a comprehensive recovery program and authored supportive curriculum tailored specifically for women in recovery.
The organization's commitment to excellence is evident in its achievement of a 3-Year Accreditation Status from CARF Accreditation. Additionally, Vaile Leonard has spearheaded the development of Peer organizational integration trainings, Peer Recovery Housing Specialist training, Peer Leadership training, and collaborated on conflict resolution training for peers.
Under her leadership, The Light of Truth Center has grown from an idea to a robust recovery support service organization, boasting four residential locations, a training center, and an IR&C test site. Ms. Leonard's proficiency as a corporate team leader, coupled with her expertise in Quality Assurance and social activism, has driven notable growth and success for The Light of Truth Center, Inc.
Recognized for her leadership and dedication, Vaile Leonard was selected to participate in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundations leadership training program fellowship in 2008 and is now a Weinberg Fellow. The organization has been honored with the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organization's Seal of Excellence in 2010 and 2018, a testament to its well-managed and responsibly governed operations. In 2020 Ms. Leonard was awarded an Walden Award Honoree for Social and Environmental Activism. Recently, The Light of Truth Center, Inc. was chosen by Business Volunteers as a GIVE Fellow.
Ms. Leonard's advocacy goals extend beyond organizational success to changing the narrative surrounding recovery issues, emphasizing the possibility of recovery and advocating for affordable, safe, and clean housing for all.