our team
Brett Lovins
For over two decades, Brett has cultivated environments where curiosity and innovation thrive within Corporate America. In 2021, as a person in long-term recovery, he joined the "recovering out loud" movement, sharing his sobriety journey with the entire company (Cisco, 80K employees).
When he started working at Cisco in 2011, Brett experienced firsthand what it's like to struggle with active addiction while maintaining high-level responsibilities in a multinational corporation. As his Substance Use Disorder (SUD) progressed and accelerated, he found himself confused, frustrated, and fearful, not knowing what to do or where to go.
In 2013 he began a new life-path as a sober person. For the next eight years, Brett kept his recovery private, navigating corporate events and team functions as a person in recovery.
In 2021, he worked through his own shame and stigma to become a vocal "recovering out loud" employee. He led a transformative change movement, connecting people across departments and founding the company-wide group "Sober Curious at Cisco". This employee-led group helped make significant changes possible for more inclusive practices at large events. They brought in experts for webinars and built internal webpages with educational materials, normalizing discussing the common condition that affects 2/3 of American families directly or indirectly.
Now, with 11+ years of sobriety, Brett continues to enjoy life and thrive as a person in long-term recovery. His past experiences fuel his passion for helping companies see the elephant in the room.
- CFAA-HR (Certified Facilitator in Addiction Awareness for HR & Managers)
- Certified Facilitator - Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialog
- Dare to Lead™ Trained (Brené Brown)
- Podcaster: Addiction & Recovery Conversations
- Regional Advisor - Washington Recovery Alliance
- Contributor to the Recovery Friendly Workplace -Definition and 2024 National Certification Standards Document
- Ambassador for Shatterproof
Nell Hurley
Nell Hurley is a seasoned professional in the field of addiction recovery and wellness. As a life/recovery coach and fitness trainer, she has dedicated her career to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery and optimal health.
Ms. Hurley’s background includes pivotal roles such as the executive director of Minnesota Recovery Connection, Minnesota’s first Recovery Community Organization, where she was instrumental in bringing peer support to Minnesota and developing innovative recovery programs. She has also held leadership roles in institutions like the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and The Phoenix, where she led initiatives to promote long-term recovery solutions.
In 2020, Ms. Hurley founded Hurley Health, a pioneering venture that integrates fitness coaching with recovery support, reflecting her holistic approach to wellness. Her work is characterized by a deep understanding of the interplay between physical health and addiction recovery, which she applies to help clients achieve sustainable change.
Ms. Hurley holds a master’s degree in English literature and a master’s degree in business with a focus on nonprofit management. She was on the board of Faces & Voices of Recovery from 2010–2014 and has been a Peer Recovery Center of Excellence member since 2020. She is also a certified life coach (CTI), personal trainer, yoga instructor, kettlebell instructor, and 10-time marathon finisher, with qualifications and experiences that enrich her coaching methodology. Through her leadership, training, and advocacy, Nell continues to be a driving force in transforming lives and strengthening the recovery community.
- Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT-200, 2006)
- Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES, 2011)
- Trained Kettlebell Instructor (StrongFirst 2013, 2016)
- Certified CrossFit L1 Instructor (2018)
- Certified Personal Trainer (NASM, 2020)
- Certified Coach (CTI 2023 / ICF 2024)
- Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CPRSS, MCB 2024)
- 26+ Years in Recovery