MEET THE FOUNDER
TLAYRA SIMS
Family, Recovery, and Purpose
Tlayra Sims' journey to becoming a dedicated advocate for addiction recovery is deeply rooted in both her personal experience and the unwavering support of her family. With her husband and youngest son by her side, Tlayra has transformed her life's challenges into an opportunity to create real change. Their love and encouragement have been the backbone of her vision, inspiring her to launch Life in Recovery, a space that welcomes everyone to begin healing—men, women, and families alike.
A Passion Fueled by Experience
As someone who has walked the path of addiction and come out stronger, Tlayra brings a personal touch to everything she does. She understands the daily battles that come with recovery because she has lived them. Now, as a Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist, Tlayra uses her own experiences to guide and uplift others, showing them that a better life is possible.
Her belief? That recovery isn't just about breaking free from addiction—it's about building a life of purpose, community, and connection.
Leader in the Recovery Community
In her role as Executive Director of Life in Recovery, Tlayra leads with compassion, empowering others to find their own paths to healing. Her work extends far beyond the office—she actively leads women’s empowerment classes at Clarke and Elbert County jails, offering guidance and support to incarcerated women who need it the most. Through this work, she gives a voice to the voiceless, proving that second chances are not only possible but transformative.
Tlayra also founded and directs the Mother to Mother Recovery Center, a 12-month inpatient facility in Elberton, GA, specifically designed to help women rebuild their lives. This initiative was born out of her deep understanding of the unique challenges that women in recovery face, especially when it comes to reconnecting with their children.
A Voice for Women in Recovery
As a returning citizen herself and a mother of seven, Tlayra is particularly passionate about advocating for women in recovery. She understands the importance of family reunification and has helped countless women on their journey to not only find sobriety but also regain custody and rebuild relationships with their children. For her, this work is personal—it’s about healing families and restoring lives.
A Legacy of Hope and Healing
Over the past six years, Tlayra has had an incredible impact on the recovery community. Through her sponsorship of women and her guidance of those struggling with addiction, she has touched countless lives, providing not just services, but hope. Her personal commitment to recovery, leadership, and advocacy continues to inspire everyone she works with.
Tlayra Sims is living proof that recovery is not just possible—it’s life-changing. With her family, her faith, and her unwavering commitment to helping others, she is dedicated to making Life in Recovery a space where everyone can thrive.
The Birth of Life in Recovery
Tlayra’s drive to make a broader impact led her to launch Life in Recovery. Originally, her focus was on helping women through her work at Mother to Mother, but she realized that the need for support extended to everyone—men and women. Life in Recovery was created as an extension of this vision, providing comprehensive services to the entire community. It stands as a beacon of hope, offering peer-based recovery support services, from advocacy to job readiness training and legal assistance.
Through Life in Recovery, Tlayra is committed to expanding access to resources for anyone seeking to overcome addiction and reclaim their life.
“Recovery is a journey, and no one should walk it alone.”