Governance

Accountable to the public we serve.

The Other Side of Rock Bottom, Inc. is committed to serving our community with integrity, accountability, and transparency. Our board of directors guides our mission and oversees our work, helping us remain focused on the people seeking recovery, hope, and connection. We value the trust of our members, volunteers, and donors. Organizational documents, public filings, and available financial information can be requested by contacting us.

Board of Directors

The leaders who guide Other Side of Rock Bottom.

Our board brings together expertise across recovery support, mental health advocacy, trauma-informed care, and community service. Together they steward our mission to ensure everyone impacted by addiction, mental health challenges, or trauma has hope, connection, and the support to build a life beyond rock bottom.

Founder & President

Kathy Lynn Simmons, CPSRP

Kathy Lynn Simmons founded The Other Side of Rock Bottom, Inc. with a message born from her own life: There is life on the other side of rock bottom.

A woman in long-term recovery since October 18, 2014, Kathy knows that rebuilding a life takes courage, support, accountability, and countless small decisions to keep going. Her journey includes surviving domestic violence, leaving a nursing home, reclaiming her independence, and turning painful experiences into a purpose rooted in helping others.

Based in Meriden, Connecticut, Kathy is a Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional, author, and advocate. Her books include Welcome to Mental Health and/or Addiction Recovery, Reclaiming Me, Finding Peace After Pain, and The 12 Steps for Everyday Life.

Kathy brings practical recovery tools, trauma-informed understanding, heartfelt honesty, and plenty of humor to her work. Her Christian faith is central to her life. The encouragement in 2 Corinthians 1:4—to comfort others with the comfort we have received from God—reflects the heart of her mission.

Through OSRB’s daily online meetings, educational materials, and community outreach, Kathy helps create opportunities for people to connect, learn, and begin again. She welcomes multiple pathways to recovery and believes everyone deserves dignity, belonging, and support.

Her heart is big, her laughter is loud, and her message is clear: your past may explain part of your story, but it does not have to define your future.

“There is life on the other side of rock bottom.”

Treasurer

Karen Gettle, MBA

Karen Gettle brings more than 30 years of senior-level financial experience, a Master of Business Administration, and her own lived experience in recovery to The Other Side of Rock Bottom, Inc.

Her career includes financial leadership across commercial real estate, manufacturing, entertainment law, and patent law. With her education in finance and extensive professional background, Karen brings valuable knowledge to OSRB’s financial oversight, planning, and responsible stewardship.

In recovery since September 23, 2023, Karen understands the personal meaning behind the organization’s mission. Recovery is about rebuilding a life, finding connection, and having support through the work of lasting change.

As Treasurer, Karen combines financial expertise with that personal understanding to help OSRB build a strong foundation. Her service supports the organization’s commitment to making recovery resources accessible and treating every person with dignity.

Vice President

Joseph “Joe” Simmons

Joseph “Joe” Simmons serves as Vice President of The Other Side of Rock Bottom, Inc., bringing his own lived experience in recovery to the organization’s leadership.

In recovery since September 5, 2025, Joey participates in recovery meetings and serves on OSRB’s board. His involvement connects his personal recovery journey with service to a community supporting others through their own challenges.

Serving alongside his mother, founder Kathy Lynn Simmons, Joe is part of an organization built on connection, dignity, and the belief that people can rebuild their lives with meaningful support.

His story is still unfolding—one day at a time—and his place in OSRB’s leadership reflects the opportunity to grow in recovery while contributing to something larger than oneself.

Secretary & Host Manager

Brandy Adams

Brandy Adams brings her lived experience, her desire to help others, and a deeply personal connection to The Other Side of Rock Bottom, Inc., where she serves as Secretary and Host Manager.

In recovery since November 17, 2025, Brandy describes OSRB as a place where she found hope. Through her journey, she has been learning to love herself, practice forgiveness, rebuild trust, and create a life that reaches beyond her past.

The support she received from Kathy and the OSRB community inspired her to stay involved and offer support to others. Today, she contributes through her board responsibilities, hosting meetings, and helping coordinate the meeting hosts who keep the community connected.

Brandy’s story reflects the heart of OSRB: people receiving support, finding their footing, and discovering that they have something valuable to give.

Her message is simple: "If you’re still breathing, your story isn’t over. We don’t just survive anymore—we learn how to live."