The 17th Annual Healing Power of Spirituality - Common Ground Series

Join us at Atonement Church for the Common Ground Speaker Series — an inspiring space where recovery, spirituality, and community meet.

Exploring the Healing Power of Spirituality in Recovery

About the Series

The Common Ground Speaker Series is a collaboration between Caron Treatment Centers and Common Ground Ministry, hosted at Atonement Church. Together, we bring the recovery community and wider public into conversation about the spiritual dimensions of healing.

Each session features speakers who share their lived experiences, spiritual insights, and personal journeys in recovery. The series is designed to inspire hope, deepen understanding, and nurture community through honest storytelling and reflection.

At Common Ground, we believe that everyone is recovering from something — whether from addiction, loss, hurts, hang-ups, or simply the challenges of life. Our gatherings offer a safe space for honest conversation, strong relationships, and spiritual exploration for body, mind, and spirit. All are welcome.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Carrie Bates
Director of Strategic Growth and Advocacy, Caron Treatment Centers

Carrie Bates is a passionate advocate for recovery and a three-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming. As a person in long-term recovery, she brings a unique understanding of the drive for excellence, trauma, life changes, and addiction. Since 2012, Carrie has dedicated herself to helping others access treatment while fighting to end the stigma surrounding substance use disorder.

In 2025, Carrie joined Caron as Director of Strategic Growth and Advocacy, where she works with partners across the recovery community to expand access to treatment, promote Caron’s neurorestorative approach, and advance awareness of addiction as a brain disease. She is especially passionate about prevention, mental wellness, the challenges women face in recovery, and the role of workplaces in supporting recovery. Through traditional media, podcasts, and keynote speaking, Carrie continues to share her truth and inspire hope.

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Mike Shooty
Author, Founder of Just Today, LLC.

Mike Shooty is the author of Lost in London: A Journey from Insanity to Acceptance, a powerful memoir chronicling his path from addiction to recovery. As the founder of Just-Today LLC, he dedicates his life to supporting others on the road to recovery—speaking in
communities, and donating a portion of book proceeds to fund vital recovery services.

Mike is a Certified Recovery Specialist, Certified Family Recovery Specialist and active member of the Chester County Drug and Alcohol Counsil. With a voice shaped by lived experience, Mike is passionate about helping audiences understand substance use disorder, and the power of recovery.

Event Details:

Location: Atonement Church |5300 Penn Avenue | Wyomissing, PA
Doors Open: 6:30 p.m.
Program Begins: 7:00 p.m.
Admission: Free | No registration required

Questions? Contact:

• Pastor Tom Scornavacchi, Common Ground Mission Developer — 610-375-3512 | Pastortom@cgrcommunity.org
• John Guthridge, Caron Alumni Relations — jguthridge@caron.org | 717-250-9268

No registration and no admission charge.