She is open about her addiction experiences and, early in her recovery process, expressed a desire to become a substance abuse counselor. She moved to the St. Louis area and began to organize recovery support groups at one of the local churches, as well as pursue her goal of becoming a substance abuse counselor. Currently, Shelly is a counselor with the Gateway Foundation in St. Louis. Shelly also served as an instructor for Committed Caring Faith Communities’ Advanced Addictions Academy for faith leaders. She continues to share her personal testimony and expertise, and helps faith leaders learn to work with people who are re-entering the community after being incarcerated for drug-related offenses.