Micah Mesker, a Tulsa native, has been with Family & Children’s Services for 15 years, serving as the Senior Program Director at Women in Recovery (WIR) for the past three years.

 As she describes her role, it involves supervising the directors of case management, clinical interventions and parenting services, which provides a broad perspective on the comprehensiveness of WIR and the importance of every division. “I focus on ensuring staff expertise is applied effectively to address client goals and services,” she says. “Unlike traditional behavioral health services, where therapy sessions are typically 50 or 60 minutes, our team engages with clients throughout the day. Witnessing transformational change is deeply rewarding, but it’s equally important to support staff to prevent burnout and exhaustion.”

Mesker draws a contrast between her previous outpatient work and her current role: “In outpatient settings, seeing someone once a month means progress is often subtle. At WIR, you witness significant changes daily.”

B&G: Do you think Women in Recovery could serve as a model for other jurisdictions?

Mesker: Absolutely, 100% yes. Expanding this program across the country would be wonderful. While Oklahoma has a high incarceration rate, the issues we address are not unique to our state. Women across the nation face similar struggles and challenges.

Our program focuses on habilitation—helping participants build a life they may have never experienced before and minimizing risk of returning to a previous state.

B&G: What are the challenges of working with women in Women in Recovery?

Mesker: Many participants come to us with extensive histories of trauma—whether from their families or interactions with the legal system. Addressing that trauma is critical, but it can also be incredibly complex.

B&G: Can you describe what it’s like for women when they first enter the program?

Mesker: Establishing a sense of safety is our first priority. If participants feel they’re still in danger or stuck in survival mode, they can’t focus on the deep work needed to change their lives.

Many of our participants are trying to break patterns that have developed over a lifetime. Changing these ingrained ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving is a monumental task, but it’s the foundation of their transformation.

B&G: What do women find most difficult at the start of the program?

Mesker: This program is incredibly challenging—many women describe it as the hardest thing they’ve ever done.

In the beginning, the program is highly structured and restrictive. This structure is necessary to build a sense of safety and accountability. Over time, as participants progress, restrictions are gradually reduced.

WIR is a three-phase program. By the third phase, participants have undergone extensive therapy, improved their health, gained job skills, and secured employment. They’ve met many program expectations and personal goals, which enables them to transition into the community.

By graduation, women are typically employed full-time, living independently, managing households, and often reunified with their children, rebuilding relationships that may have been broken.

B&G: What rules are the hardest to adjust to?

Mesker: For many, the biggest challenge is not being able to have contact with friends or acquaintances outside the program without prior approval. Initially, contact is limited to caregivers and children, and this adjustment period can be difficult.

Another tough rule is the curfew, but once participants understand the reasoning behind it, it becomes easier to accept.

In the first phase, participants are on-site from early morning until late afternoon for a full day of programming. Over time, the rules and restrictions lessen, and participants often reflect on how helpful the structure was in building accountability and growth.

B&G: Is there a dress code?

Mesker: Yes, we follow a business casual dress code. This helps prepare women for future employment and social activities while fostering a professional mindset.

B&G: What does therapy focus on in the first phase?

Mesker: Trauma is our initial focus. Trauma drives many of the triggers that lead to substance use, so addressing it early is essential.

Our staff are highly trained in trauma-informed care, and we adhere to evidence-based practices. Recognizing and addressing the impact of trauma is foundational to the healing process.

B&G: How does WIR address addiction?

Mesker: We focus on understanding the drivers of addiction. Through individual sessions and group work, clients learn about the science of addiction, the effects of substances on the body, and how dependency develops.

Our multidisciplinary team—including peer recovery support specialists, case managers, and clinicians—provides consistent support to ensure women have a comprehensive understanding of addiction and its impacts.

B&G: Can you explain the role of case management?

Mesker: Case management is vital to creating safety for our clients. Case managers connect women with medical, dental, and vision care—services some have never accessed before. For example, dental care is especially important for women recovering from methamphetamine use.

Case management also includes wellness coaching and education on managing trauma, interpersonal relationships, and conflict. This holistic approach helps women embrace long-term health and avoid future hospitalizations.

Ultimately, case managers play a critical role in enhancing clients’ quality of life and promoting sustainable growth.

B&G: What happens to the 30% of women who don’t graduate?

Mesker: Many women enter the program thinking it’s a “Get Out of Jail Free” card and try to game the system. This survival approach has often been their default for years.

Over time, some women experience a moment of clarity—a “switch”—where they find hope and start believing in themselves. Watching this transformation is incredible.

Unfortunately, not all participants reach that point during their first attempt. For some, multiple rounds of treatment are necessary before they’re ready for lasting change.

B&G: Are there any unique program components you’d like to highlight?

Mesker: Our culinary program is a favorite. It prepares women for employment, teaches nutrition, and helps them plan meals on a budget. Every participant earns a food handler’s permit, which is valuable for reentering the workforce. Many women are thrilled at the accomplishment of earning their GED, which often provides new opportunities for employment pursuits or completing employment-based training leading to career goals they never thought possible.

We also offer creative outlets like art, music, journaling, yoga, and mindfulness. These activities aren’t just fun, they’re therapeutic, and they help women process trauma in healthy ways.

B&G: How do all these components work together?

Mesker: We’re building a community. It’s not just about individual growth but creating connections, fostering trust, and building healthy relationships with peers.

B&G: What else should readers know?

Mesker: Our Continuing Care program is one of our greatest strengths. It’s open to all women who’ve participated in WIR regardless of whether they graduated or not.

It provides access to therapy, case management, educational opportunities, and relapse prevention. We also host community events, often tied to holidays, where participants can reconnect and support one another.

Recovery isn’t a one-time achievement — it’s a lifelong journey. Our goal is to ensure every woman knows she has a place where she belongs and a community that cares for her.

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