Darla DeLeon, Executive Director

Darla DeLeon, wife of Steered Straight Founder, Michael DeLeon has her own story. She brings the family perspective—a wife that not only had to deal with her husband’s addiction, which led to her own, raise two children by herself for 12 years while he was away in prison, but also had to deal with the long-term effects on their family.

Darla shares her personal story as a child who lost her father to alcoholism, dealt with her own struggles with low self-worth, value, and esteem that led to a prison of her own making, and the compelling story as Michael’s wife. As a woman held at gunpoint twice behind a shared addiction with her husband, Darla impacts students and any audience with a strong message on how their choices and decisions affect those they love.

Darla, herself, is a drug court graduate and has more than 18 years in recovery. Today, Darla holds a Masters of Science degree in Psychology in Addictions and Recovery and a Bachelor of Science degree for Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University. Darla also has an AAS in Paralegal Studies and Respiratory Therapy. She is a certified NCADD Interventionist, a Certified Peer Support Specialist and a Recovery Coach. Her passion meets her purpose by spreading H.O.P.E.: Helping Other People Elevate. She has authored a curriculum called, “My 12 Step Play List” and “Mended” that helps individuals work through trauma and addiction, as well as Co-authoring Table Talks & Dashboard Conversationsthat focuses on building relationship and communication. Her motto is “We rise by lifting others” and this is something she strives to do every single day.