Board Of Directors

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FOUNDER/ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Independent artist, songwriter, and singer Robert Hawkins has experienced life at the high moments of greatness and honor and has lived through low and turbulent pits of anguish.  He writes music and sings about an infallible hope called Jesus. With his music and his incredible testimony, he is dedicated to helping others find that same hope and victory. 

Robert has been on the path of recovery over 9 years. After completing inpatient drug rehab, Robert was inspired to become a recovery coach. He then successfully completed the necessary training and received his certification from CAR Recovery Coach Academy in 2015.

 Robert's ministry extends beyond music into a very personal mission to see people holistically well. His battle with addiction and triumph in recovery led him to launch THE RECOVERY GATHERING June 10th 2022. Robert created this to offer a safe space where those who suffer from addiction, mental illness, trauma, or any need of rehabilitation can gather to celebrate recovery through the Word of God and songs of worship. The RECOVERY GATHERING is free to the public.

BOARD VICE CHAIR

Dr. Rashad Burden is the senior pastor of the historic 31st Street Church in San Diego California. In the church’s 100 year history, Rashad is the youngest senior pastor to lead the congregation. He is a graduate of Pine Forge Academy in Pine Forge PA, one of the few remaining historically black boarding academies in the US. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Oakwood University in Huntsville Alabama. He has also received his PhD in organizational leadership from Southeastern University in Lakeland Florida. He tells everyone he “married up” to the love of his life Stephany Burden. They have two beautiful & intelligent children Keidan & Kumani.

Rashad has nearly two decades of nonprofit leadership experience that has equipped him to guide leaders and organizations to be sensitive to problems, fluent in adversity, original in operation, and flexible in the face of change. He truly believes that with great power come great responsibility. He strives to help others to become the healthiest version of themselves: spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

BOARD SECRETARY

Kyndell currently demonstrates a heart of service by volunteering to lead small groups of people with actionable, valuable information that they can use to meet their goals, improve their credit, manage and obtain homeownership. Kyndell participates in and coordinates a weekly radio show in the Chicagoland area titled “The Counselor is in with Eric V. Harwell” where she helps to promote awareness and acceptance of needs in the mental health community. Kyndell has provided a great deal of coordination and support to promote the work of Robert Hawkins and The Recovery Gathering.

BOARD TREASURER

As a trained social worker with a unique hybrid of nonprofit leadership and financing, she is known in the nonprofit sector as well as her community as a change agent who has a passion to help others by equipping, encouraging, empowering and providing them with resources that will assist them in accomplishing their goals.

Nicole has a keen sense of what’s needed as she embraces the possibilities in uncertainty and change. This encourages others to find new results that are unique to themselves and their communities.

Nicole and her husband currently own and operate two small businesses in Grand Rapids, MI. She Currently serves in various capacities on three boards in Western Michigan. 

BOARD MEMBER

For over 40 years Bishop Walter Turner, Jr. has devoted his life to the gospel of Jesus the Christ and the ministry of Grace Congregational Church. As a founding member of Grace Congregational Church and current Senior Pastor, Bishop Turner continues to serve faithfully in ministry. Bishop Turner has always been passionate about outreach, preaching and teaching the Word of God, and about the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. He ministered in prisons for over 15 years. In continuing his passion for outreach, Bishop Turnercompleted training in Mental and Behavioral Health Disorders. He is married to the devoted First Lady Leanda Turner, who serves alongside him tirelessly in the work of ministry.

BOARD MEMBER

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over two decades of experience. Originally from New York, I moved to Raleigh, North CArolina in 2006 where I have embraced southern hospitality.   I remain dedicated to supporting individuals and families who are struggling mentally, physically and spiritually.  My passion is to empower people and teach them that God has given us all the ability to rewire our recovery through His word and faith. 

 I founded Rewiring Wellness PLLC, a company focused on a brain-first approach to live in our full potential and God given purpose. I integrate research and neurological perspectives in my practice, emphasizing the mind-body connection to drive healing and skill-building. I value partnering with individuals, families, and organizations to share resources and provide strategies through fellowship, seminars, and keynote discussions. I look forward to watching God show up and show out in The Recovery Gathering!