Fresh ideas, meaningful connections and innovative strategies were all on the agenda as Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) and Fortis Academy staff traveled to Denver on June 26-30 for the Association of Recovery in Higher Education/Association of Recovery Schools/Association of Alternative Peer Groups (ARHE/ARS/AAPG) Conference. HCDE Assistant Superintendent for Academic and Support Services Jonathan Parker and Fortis Counselor Nakia Lee-Francis, Recovery Program Coordinator Melody Burr and Educational Aide Rockette Simpson joined professionals from the clinical, medical and other school-based recovery programs to explore the latest research, share best practices and discover new approaches for supporting people on their recovery journey.  

Fortis Academy Principal Travita Godfrey and Communications Coordinator Shelby Trahan also took to the stage to present “Beyond the Inner Circle: Using Authentic Messaging to Reach New Audiences.” The session explored how organizations can develop authentic content, connect with audiences beyond their existing supporters and use artificial intelligence to simplify communications workflows. The conference equipped the Fortis team with fresh perspectives and practical tools to strengthen both student support and community engagement.