ABOUT US
Mission
Recovery Outside’s mission is to offer outdoor experiences that build community, promote healing, and support long-term recovery.
Vision
To create a community where people in long-term recovery from addiction and mental health challenges can find belonging in the outdoors. We offer free and low-cost experiences that foster a deeper connection to nature, enabling individuals to discover their potential surrounded by understanding, adventure, and hope.
The founders : Our story
Recovery Outside was born out of inspiration—and necessity. On our first trip to Big Bend together, we were moved by the power of nature and the sense of clarity it brings. It was there, in the vast stillness of the desert, that we made the decision to start something new—something rooted in recovery, connection, and the outdoors.
Founded in June 2025, Recovery Outside is the result of years of shared vision and collaboration between Jessica, Erin, and Shane. As individuals in recovery ourselves, we bring firsthand insight and empathy to the work we do. With nearly four years of working side by side, we’ve cultivated a vibrant recovery community, supporting thousands of people on their journey to rebuild their lives after addiction and trauma.
Our work began humbly around Jessica’s dining room table, fueled by a vision and a shared belief in the potential of community-led healing. What started as a conversation has grown into a dynamic and impactful organization committed to meeting people where they are.
What sets us apart is our lived experience in recovery, our deep commitment to this community and culture, and the mutual trust, respect, and camaraderie we share as a team. That foundation shapes the heart and integrity of everything we do.
We launched Recovery Outside with a clear purpose: to respond to the real, on-the-ground needs of people in recovery by listening to the local community and creating opportunities that reflect their hopes, strengths, and values. With the support of our community partners, we continue to build spaces that are healing, inclusive, and grounded in the belief that recovery is possible for everyone.
Jessica Wilson, Executive Director & Co Founder
Jessica is a seasoned professional with a strong track record of managing projects for organizations such as Camp Fire USA, Austin Opera, The Thinkery, and Knowbility. With expertise in nonprofit program management, she drives strategic initiatives, speaks at conferences, leads training workshops, and fosters a collaborative, team-oriented approach to achieving impact.
Her passion for recovery is both personal and professional. Jessica began her journey in the field at 18, working as a peer support at CPC Hospital—a role that sparked a lifelong dedication to helping others overcome addiction. Since then, she has volunteered at crisis call centers, organized free recovery events, and spent the last several years managing programs that support all pathways to recovery.
Jessica brings lived experience to her work—she is in recovery herself—and this perspective fuels her commitment to building inclusive, supportive communities. She lives in Austin with her son, Gibby, and their dog, Goose.
Shane Berber, Director of Community & Culture & Co Founder
Shane Berber is a dedicated professional with nearly four years of experience in the addiction recovery nonprofit sector, specializing in building and fostering sober communities in Austin, Texas. With a deep passion for helping individuals overcome addiction, Shane focuses on reconnecting people with their original passions as a path to healing and long-term recovery.
His commitment to creating supportive environments stems from both professional expertise and personal experience, driving his mission to empower individuals through connection, purpose, and community engagement. Shane believes that recovery is not just about sobriety but about rediscovering joy, meaning, and a renewed sense of self. Through his work, Shane continues to advocate for accessible, community-driven recovery resources, ensuring that individuals have the support they need to thrive in their journey to wellness. He lives in Austin with his wife and three daughters.
Erin Wackerla, Director of Programs & Co Founder
Erin Wackerla is the Co-Founder and Director of Programs at Recovery Outside, where she combines her passion for the outdoors with her commitment to supporting people in recovery. She has a background in program and volunteer management and holds a degree in anthropology with a focus on gender and agrobiodiversity.
A dedicated rock climber for more than 15 years, Erin is an AMGA-certified Single Pitch Instructor and has climbed extensively throughout Texas and the western United States. She currently serves as Board Chair of the Austin Chapter of the American Alpine Club. Erin has a personal connection to recovery, and through that journey, she found a deeper, more meaningful connection to climbing. The sport became a powerful tool for healing, growth, and self-rediscovery. When she’s not on the rock, Erin enjoys watching horror movies with her husband and their three oversized dogs.
Board of Directors
Donna has been an engaged philanthropist for the past 25 years in her role as Founder and past CEO of A Glimmer of Hope. Glimmer has invested over $100m across 10,000 programs in Ethiopia since 2000, impacting the lives of over 5 million people living in remote rural poverty.
In Austin, Glimmer|Austin has engaged with and funded over 100 local nonprofits, and currently focuses on homelessness, hunger, children, and addiction recovery. Glimmer funded and supported the local community through an innovative and effective approach to sobriety.
Addiction Recovery is personal to Donna – she is an active member of Gam-Anon, and runs a support group for parents of compulsive gamblers.
Donna lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Philip, children and grandchildren, and many four-legged friends.
Diana Wheeler has lived in Austin since 1998, and she and her husband have been in the Allandale neighborhood since 2000. She has worked on local issues to promote outdoor activity – like the City’s implementation of the Shoal Creek Bike Lanes in 2019, and coordinating neighbors and a group of teen boys, including her son, to work with Shoal Creek Conservancy (SCC) to develop a Rain Garden on Shoal Creek Blvd in 2022.
Diana has a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Yale with a concentration in environmental education. Since being in Austin she has worked in IT, but her passion remains working on programs that facilitate environmental protection and getting kids immersed in the outdoors. She currently works for Austin Energy as an IT Manager. Diana was on the Board of Camp Fire Central Texas from 2004-2020 and on the Allandale Neighborhood Association (ANA) Board from 2016 to 2021. She currently serves on the City of Austin’s Urban Transportation Commission and as a board member on the Shoal Creek Conservancy.
Annette has more than 19 years accounting experience with 15 years of experience in the non-profit world, working with organizations ranging from ½ million dollar budgets to $8 million dollar budgets. Her diverse experience includes Finance Director, Residential Services Director, and VP of Operations and Finance. Annette moved to the Austin area Thanksgiving 2009. She has a daughter who graduated from the University of Texas – Austin, and one son who is currently a sophomore at UT. Her other son has aspirations to attend Annette’s alma mater, Texas Tech University. ** adding in mental health and nature components**
Melissa brings over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and education sectors, with a career rooted in public service, environmental education, and outdoor recreation. Since 2017, she has worked with Austin Parks and Recreation and currently serves as the programs supervisor at the Austin Nature & Science Center. She’s passionate about making educational and recreational programming accessible to all.
Previously, Melissa held roles with the Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation, Camp Fire Central Texas, and City Year, Inc. She also founded Eco Friends Austin, partnering with AISD to deliver environmental education to K–5 students.
A dedicated nature enthusiast, Melissa explores Austin’s trails regularly and volunteers to connect others with nature. For the past three years, she has led outdoor archery lessons for people in recovery, a role she finds deeply meaningful. She believes nature offers powerful healing and is excited to bring that experience to Recovery Outside.
In her free time, Melissa enjoys outdoor activities and visiting as many state parks as possible.
Our Community Partners
Our work is made possible by the generous support of our community partners. Together, we’re creating lasting impact.
