team

Executive Director, Lighthouse Community Recovery Home

Stuart Strong is the architect of structure at Lighthouse—both in philosophy and in practice. With more than 40 years of professional experience in corrections, counseling, and recovery programming, he has dedicated his life to supporting justice-impacted individuals and those navigating addiction. Stuart holds a Master's degree in Counseling and is credentialed through the Criminal Justice Certification Program (CJJP), a distinction that underscores his commitment to excellence in behavioral health and justice reform.

He began his professional journey at a Montessori school, laying a foundation in developmental learning and trauma-informed structure. He later transitioned into the corrections system, working in the diagnostic and classification unit at Huttonsville Correctional Center, where he conducted psychological evaluations and facilitated individual and group counseling. With a Master’s degree in Counseling and a background in family therapy, Stuart’s clinical insight shaped statewide programming. He became the lead force behind West Virginia’s RSAT (Residential Substance Abuse Treatment) initiative, transforming treatment from an academic exercise into a lived, therapeutic community within correctional settings.

As founder and Executive Director of Lighthouse, Stuart continues to shape its long-term vision and philosophical framework while serving as Board President. He grounds the organization in structure, accountability, and the belief that people heal best when given the space and tools to do so with dignity. His personal values, deeply rooted in his Christian faith, influence Lighthouse’s guiding principles—balancing grace with responsibility, and empowerment with boundaries.

Stuart currently works daily with the Community Corrections Program of Randolph County and serves as the substance abuse therapist for the local Drug Court, providing direct support to justice-involved individuals. He is a certified Recovery Coach Professional and has also earned distinction as a credentialed counselor under the CJJP. As a master woodworker and recognized Tamarack artisan, his hands-on craftsmanship mirrors his belief that recovery—like woodworking—is a careful, deliberate, values-driven process.

“Before they were labeled, before addiction took hold—people were people. When you finally resolve what you're running from, what you're running to stops controlling you. Seek help before hardship finds you. Step into the stream of purpose. Because if you're not part of the solution, you must be part of the problem. It's not always easy, but we keep running the race—because values light the path, and structure gives us the strength to finish with honor.”

Mr. Stuart P. Strong

Director of Operations, Lighthouse Community Recovery Home

Susan Strong is the grounding presence at the core of Lighthouse—a woman whose steadiness, patience, and deep care hold the house together through calm and chaos alike. As Director of Operations, she brings more than two decades of administrative insight and frontline recovery experience, matched by a quiet strength that guides both people and process.

Though often behind the scenes, Susan ensures the gears keep turning. She manages all day-to-day operations at the house—scheduling and tracking appointments, facilitating new intakes, overseeing daily chore accountability, and ensuring compliance with internal structure and external regulatory needs. Her greatest strength, however, is not in tasks—but in trust. She creates emotional safety through consistency and accountability. She is the embodiment of responsible concern—caring enough to hold others to their best, and compassionate enough to walk with them when they fall.

Her leadership style is defined by empathy and resolve—balancing accountability with care, and structure with flexibility. Susan doesn’t just maintain order; she fosters stability. Whether offering a kind word, addressing a crisis, or quietly preventing one, her presence sets the tone.

She works hand-in-hand with her husband, Stuart Strong, maintaining the rhythm, principles, and expectations that define Lighthouse’s environment. Their partnership, both personal and professional, ensures that the house operates with continuity and care, grounded in mutual respect and shared vision.

Often under-recognized yet always indispensable, Susan is not only the operational backbone of Lighthouse—she is its emotional ballast and quiet protector.

Mrs. Susan Strong

Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS), Secretary of the Board

Samantha Ryan is both a frontline force and a systems-level thinker—combining unshakable compassion with a sharp understanding of how recovery works in the real world. As a Peer Recovery Support Specialist and Secretary of the Board at Lighthouse, she is a foundational part of the organization’s direction, culture, and credibility.

With lived experience and deep professional grounding, Samantha brings authority and empathy to every interaction. Her recovery journey fuels her advocacy—and her courage. A former correctional officer, she now works directly with justice-impacted individuals and serves as a stabilizing figure through some of their most vulnerable moments. She is currently employed by Recovery Resource Group (RRG), where her work extends across multiple recovery initiatives. Her past support to A.N.T Recovery sober living homes and her tenure at Appalachian Community Health Center reflect a broad and respected history of service in the field.

Samantha was the designated Peer Recovery Support Specialist for Tygart Valley Regional Jail, where she built bridges between incarceration and hope. She now serves as Co-Chair of the Tucker, Randolph, Upshur, Braxton, and Lewis County REACH Initiative—one of the most dynamic multi-county coalitions in the state—driving strategy, alignment, and tangible results for communities in need.

Her presence at Lighthouse is more than operational—it’s transformational. Samantha is known for showing up fully: in crisis, in planning, in silence, and in celebration. She listens deeply, acts with conviction, and holds space for others to grow into their own power.

“Recovery isn’t a shift change. It’s a relationship. You fight for people until they believe they’re worth fighting for.”

Ms. Samantha Ryan

Assistant Director, Lighthouse Community Recovery Home

Barry-Lee Pace never intended to be front and center—but his fingerprints are all over Lighthouse. A person in long-term recovery, Barry-Lee once helped found two early-stage technology companies in San Francisco before losing everything and experiencing homelessness. What followed was a hard fall—and a slow, determined rebuild. That journey, from success to struggle and back again, informs his deep empathy and fierce commitment to others on the path.

With over two decades of experience running his own business development and marketing consultancy, he has helped clients shape vision, define brand, and grow sustainably across sectors. Barry-Lee’s design background—anchored by formal training in visual communications from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh—infuses his work with clarity, creativity, and intention. A structured thinker with a creative backbone, he now serves as the Assistant Director, guiding everything from nonprofit strategy and compliance to communications and recovery-centered programming.

He is a certified Recovery Coach Professional, commissioned Notary Public, and current Reentry Navigator supporting justice-impacted individuals. With a background spanning digital systems development, business development, brand strategy, and executive consulting, Barry-Lee brings a rare mix of systems thinking and social mission to every project. He previously served as Chair of the REACH Initiative, where he led collaborative work across Upshur, Lewis, Braxton, Randolph, and Tucker Counties focused on reentry, recovery, and rural impact.

Today, Barry-Lee focuses on keeping Lighthouse aligned, compliant, and community-driven. A highly skilled IT strategist and systems problem-solver, he has architected the digital infrastructure that powers internal operations, public communication, and compliance workflows. Whether shaping policies, troubleshooting tech stacks, or building strategic partnerships, he ensures every detail supports the greater mission of sustainable recovery.

“My role isn’t to stand in the spotlight—it’s to execute the ideas that keep recovery real, structured, and working for the people who need it most.”

Mr. Barry-Lee Pace

Alumni & Brand Ambassador, Lighthouse Community Recovery Home

Mr. Brandin Carr is a proud alumnus of Lighthouse and an energetic contributor to its public presence. A semi-professional footballer currently playing for the WV Leviathan and former team owner of the Appalachian Thunder, Brandin brings a powerful blend of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance to everything he does. His experience in athletics fuels his belief in collective goals and collaborative effort—principles he applies in both recovery and life.

Brandin is a Certified Recovery Coach Professional and has served as a security professional at Davis Hospital. With numerous years of sustained recovery from active addiction, he remains engaged as a volunteer at Lighthouse, where he is always ready to assist staff and support new community members as they enter the program.

A dedicated husband and father of nine, Brandin's greatest leadership role is at home. His deep commitment to family reinforces his values of responsibility, consistency, and love—principles that shape his interactions both personally and professionally.

Known for his leadership and willingness to step up, Brandin is seen as a symbol of resilience and hope within the recovery community. Whether helping with safety protocols, mentoring new arrivals, or representing Lighthouse at community events, he is a reliable ambassador for the organization’s mission and message.

In 2023, Brandin was honored as West Virginia's Recovery Specialist of the Year—a recognition of both his personal journey and his tireless commitment to helping others.

“I didn’t create the light—I just try to reflect it.”

Mr. Brandin Carr

Facilities Coordinator & Alumni, Lighthouse Community Recovery Home

David Allanson is the steady hand behind the scenes—ensuring the Lighthouse property is not only safe and operational, but also feels like a home. As an alumnus and trusted extension of the leadership team, David's deep connection to the mission of Lighthouse fuels his contributions. Often called upon by Stuart himself, he brings insight, initiative, and accountability into every room he enters.

Known for his meticulous attention to detail and flair for creative solutions, Dave consistently goes the extra mile to ensure needs are not just met but exceeded. His ability to innovate and find unique answers to the challenges of addiction recovery sets him apart, and his willingness to have tough, necessary conversations—with both staff and participants—reinforces the culture of truth and growth Lighthouse depends on.

His testimony is foundational to the story of Lighthouse: a daily reminder that transformation is possible, and that truth spoken in love can be a catalyst for lasting change. As a certified Recovery Coach Professional, Dave leads by example—offering steady, lived-wisdom support that encourages others to stay the course.

Outside of Lighthouse, Dave is a hunter, family man, and devoted churchgoer. He volunteers regularly as an usher and remains active in a local support group, consistently showing up for his faith and recovery communities. Whether connecting through music, sports, or quiet service, Dave embodies growth, responsibility, and authentic leadership.

“You don’t have to say much to make a difference. Just keep showing up and doing what’s right.”

Mr. David Allanson

Support Team Member, Lighthouse Community Recovery Home

Ms. Karen Beam has been a foundational part of Lighthouse Community Recovery Home since its earliest days, playing a critical role in shaping the culture of care and service that defines the organization today. A justice-impacted individual dedicated to supporting others in recovery, she has contributed in a variety of essential ways—from securing sponsors and recruiting participants for the first and second Lighthouse 5K fundraisers to assisting with facilities upkeep and home operations.

She played a pivotal role in the success of Lighthouse’s earliest fundraising events—making calls, building connections, and rallying community support for the 5K runs that helped fund and raise awareness for the program. Her spirited participation in those events, including her tradition of dressing up each Halloween, added warmth and memorability to every occasion.

Karen is known for her enthusiastic spirit, reliability, and heartfelt dedication. Her willingness to step in—whether for logistical support, special events, or everyday needs—has made her a consistent and uplifting presence within the community.

She has worked closely with Stuart Strong and other team members to ensure that the home remains welcoming, functional, and mission-driven. Her continued engagement in local support groups further reflects her deep commitment to mutual aid and community recovery.

Karen Beam remains an enduring part of the Lighthouse story—an example of quiet leadership, heartfelt service, and the power of showing up when it matters most.

Ms. Karen Beam

CONTACT US

Whether you’re a community partner, a family member, or simply someone who believes in recovery, we welcome you to stop by and see what Lighthouse is building.

We’re more than a house—we’re a living, growing model of hope, structure, and second chances.

Reach out below to plan a visit, ask questions, or just let us know you’re coming. You’re always welcome here.