Behind every meaningful treatment experience is a team of people deeply committed to helping others heal, grow, and rediscover their sense of possibility. At Wings Recovery, our clinicians, mentors, and staff bring both professional expertise and personal passion to the work they do every day.
In our Meet Our Team series, we highlight the individuals who make our program so special. Through these conversations, you will learn more about their roles at Wings, what inspires their work in the mental health and recovery field, and the experiences that shape their approach to supporting clients and families.
In this edition, we are excited to introduce Sherry Hoeckendorf, Director of Housing Operations, who shares insights into her role, her perspective on the recovery journey, and what continues to motivate her in this field.
Q: Tell us about your role! What do you do at Wings Recovery and what do you love most about your job? What specialties or therapeutic approaches do you bring to your work?
A: I genuinely love the sense of gratification that comes from making positive changes at our locations. Even the smallest improvements can shape how people feel about where they are, and those details play an important role in day-to-day operations.
Q: What is your “why?” What motivated or inspired you to be in this field?
A: My “why” is client-driven. I understand what it feels like to be overwhelmed by emotion and anxiety, and that perspective guides my work. My goal is to create environments where clients feel safe, supported, and comfortable so they can fully engage in and benefit from the treatment we provide.
Q: In your opinion, what does Wings Recovery do better than others in this field? What makes them unique?
A: Our strength lies in compassion and flexibility. We meet clients where they are, financially and emotionally, without compromising care.
Q: What makes you excited to be a part of the Wings Recovery Team?
A: I am excited about the upcoming changes and the opportunity to implement them in ways that directly enhance the experience and care of our clients.
Q: What is your hope for the future of Wings Recovery?
A: I would love to see Wings grow into a flagship facility that delivers the same exceptional level of care our current locations provide, expanding our ability to serve more clients effectively.
Q: What do you wish more people knew about your profession?
A: I want people to understand how challenging it can be to balance compassion with boundaries. It’s not always easy to show clients that you genuinely care while also holding them accountable to our guidelines, which are essential for their success.
Q: Is there a personal philosophy or guiding principle that shapes the way you approach care?
A: One thing I emphasize with clients constantly is the importance of punctuality: being early is on time, being on time is late, and being late is unacceptable. This principle applies to everyone and serves as a fundamental building block for success.
Q: Do you have any professional publications, honors, awards or other highlights that we can feature? If so, please share details and any relevant links below.
A: I previously worked in a California school district, where I was recognized in CSEA Focus magazine in 2019 for my compassionate care of students. In addition, I served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Chapter 12 board.